Brisbane veteran Lincoln McCarthy is a step closer to a full return from the ACL injury that ended his 2025 campaign.

McCarthy took part in the entire session at Springfield on Wednesday, crossing off another chapter on his way back from the cruel injury blow from last May.

The 31-year-old has steadily lifted his workloads over the summer as he eyes a return to the field this year, with McCarthy to be "an important player" for the Lions in their flag defence despite missing out on the premiership-clinching win over Sydney in the season decider.

"It's super exciting for 'Linc', it's been a long year for him and the boys who did their knees," Lions forward Callum Ah Chee said.

"It's exciting to see them all coming back. 'Linc' is such a big player for us, especially in the forward line. He's such a great leader.

"I'm looking forward to when he comes back and seeing what he can do. He's an important player for us.

"He trained today and did most of the drills, so he's putting his best foot forward. He looks like he's going to be ready to go."

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Lincoln McCarthy of the Lions celebrates kicking a goal during the round 5 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Port Adelaide Power at The Gabba on July 04, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

McCarthy was one of four Lions sidelined by an ACL injury in 2024, with Keidean Coleman, Darcy Gardiner and Tom Doedee also seeing their seasons cut short.

The quartet were joined by Eric Hipwood (groin), Hugh McCluggage (leg), Oscar McInerney (shoulder) and Levi Ashcroft (shoulder) in being limited over the pre-season, with the Lions hoping to have a near full-fit squad by the start of the home and away season.

Wednesday's session saw defender Noah Answerth "in the wars" after a knock, while Cam Rayner was training away from the main group.

McCarthy's eventual return is set to add to what will be a new-look front third under Chris Fagan, who will welcome back the ex-Cat and Gardiner in the coming months.

Brisbane are without spearhead Joe Daniher following his retirement, with former Gold Coast forward Sam Day added to the reigning premiers' list as a key forward reinforcement.

Day is expected to 'fit in nicely' at the Lions with his competitive edge, with Ah Chee excited to see what the veteran can add to the forward mix.

"He's a big target down forward, you know he's going to bring the ball to ground if he doesn't mark it," Ah Chee said of his former Suns teammate. "That's what we need from our big boys.

"He's super competitive, which I love from a big forward. I'm really keen to see what he can do for us this year. I think he'll fit into our side nicely.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Sam Day of the Suns looks to pass the ball during the round four AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

"We won't change too much down in the forward line. For him, it's making sure he's a big presence down there."

Brisbane are scheduled to play Gold Coast/Collingwood and Adelaide later this month as part of their pre-season schedule before a season-opening match against Geelong at the Gabba for Opening Round.

Ah Chee is set to feature for the Indigenous All Stars next Saturday instead of taking part in the three-club practice match session that includes the Suns and Magpies five days later.