Brisbane ruck Oscar McInerney will need to prove his fitness in the club's VFL outing on Sunday to be in "proper consideration" for a senior recall.

Speaking ahead of the Lions' crunch clash with GWS on Saturday at the Gabba, coach Chris Fagan said McInerney will be an emergency, but will likely slip through to the reserves pending all things remain equal.

The 30-year-old was last seen in Round 9 against North Melbourne, and has missed with general soreness and back issues, which Fagan is keen to test before bringing him back to the top flight.

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"We just want to see how his body pulls up after a game. Last time he played, his body couldn't get through the game for various reasons," Fagan said.

"If he gets through that, then he's back in line for proper consideration for the team."

Unlike Brandon Starcevich (concussion) and Sam Day (hamstring), who were brought straight into the senior team, McInerney will need to demonstrate his readiness for AFL football in the VFL.

Fagan confirmed the ruckman's absence was not form-related, instead allowing him to prepare for the second half of the season.

"He'd be frustrated, but he's grateful for the time off and I know his body feels as good as it's felt in a long time," Fagan added.

"I think the break was good for him, because it was a struggle for him to play.

"Having a little bit of respite from having to perform every week at AFL level and having some time to get your body back has been good for his mental health.

"We're just hopeful that when he gets into a game that he can pull up well and we can keep moving forward. It's the game stress you've got to look at."

Depth option Darcy Fort has battled willfully as the solo ruck in McInerney's absence, while the inclusion of Day will soften the load.

Starcevich's return from a long stint on the sidelines will be a welcome return for the Lions, with the premiership defender likely to be tasked with curbing Toby Greene's influence, pending he overcomes a corked hip.

The 25-year-old will return to the senior side for the first time since Round 1 after suffering a head knock that has ruled him out for the better part of three months.

Brisbane was cautious with how it approached Starcevich's concussion, given he has sustained three since July last year.