BRISBANE Lions midfield ace Dayne Beams is expected to make his 2017 debut against the Western Bulldogs on Thursday week.

Beams played just six quarters of football last season before requiring knee surgery for persistent tendinitis.

He has run strongly during the pre-season and Lions' head of medical Peter Blanch says the 27-year-old will get some playing time against the reigning premier next week.

"Dayne's come off a frustrating injury, he's going well … he's got good running loads up," Blanch said.

The Lions could also regain the services of Tom Bell and Allen Christensen, Dan McStay, Reuben William and Eric Hipwood, with the latter trio likely to come back through the NEAFL.

Young midfielder Hugh McCluggage received stitches during his debut against Gold Coast on Sunday, but is fine.

"He played out the rest of the game, he's got no problems," Blanch said.

"He'll be back and going well for us."