Harris Andrews expects Hugh McCluggage to return for Lions' qualifying final

Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews expects midfielder Hugh McCluggage to return to the lineup for the upcoming qualifying final against Sydney. McCluggage has been sidelined for the final three games of the regular season due to recurring calf injuries, limiting his availability to 13 matches in 2026. Despite the interrupted campaign, Andrews expressed confidence in the veteran's ability to make an immediate impact on the field. The 28-year-old participated in a training session at Brighton Homes Arena on Tuesday to test his fitness ahead of the selection process. Brisbane coaching staff now face a decision on which player will be excluded from the 23-man squad to accommodate his inclusion. McCluggage, an All-Australian selection in 2025, has faced four separate injury setbacks this year after playing consistently throughout the first nine seasons of his career.

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