Mitch Hannan hasn't played since Round 3, but will make his return from concussion in Footscray's clash with the Brisbane Lions on Friday. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

FOOTSCRAY will finally welcome premiership player Mitch Hannan back into the team for its must-win Smithy’s VFL match against the Brisbane Lions at Moreton Bay Sports Complex on Friday afternoon.

Hannan hasn’t played since being concussed against Sydney in Round 3 of the AFL season back at the start of April, but will join Josh Bruce, Lachie Hunter and Toby McLean in returning from long-term layoffs in recent weeks.

He returns to the team that stunned Box Hill Hawks last week alongside Louis Butler, Cody Raak and Will Lewis, with St Bedes-Mentone youngster Kyle Stretton to make his VFL debut.

SMITHY’S VFL TEAMS, ROUND 15, click here

SMITHY’S VFL INJURY LIST, ROUND 15, to come

Dom Bedendo earned a well-deserved AFL debut on Thursday night alongside Hunter’s return, while ruckman Stefan Martin is unfortunately injured again and Josh Chatfield and Josh Gilbee also go out.

The Lions have been boosted by the returns of Mitch Robinson, Deven Robertson and Tom Berry from the AFL team, replacing the promoted Callum Ah Chee, plus James Madden and Harry Arnold.

Deven Robertson has been selected to play for the Brisbane Lions' VFL team against Footscray on Friday. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

3.BRISBANE LIONS (8-3) v 14.FOOTSCRAY (5-7)

Friday, July 1, 12.05pm @ Red Rooster Park
(https://www.afl.com.au/fixture?Competition=7, 12pm)
HEAD-TO-HEAD: Never Met

BRISBANE LIONS
IN: T.Berry, M. Robinson, D. Robertson
OUT: C. Ah Chee (AFL), H. Arnold, J. Madden

FOOTSCRAY
IN: L. Butler, M. Hannan, W. Lewis, C. Raak, K. Stretton
OUT: D. Bedendo, L. Hunter (AFL), S. Martin (shoulder), J. Chatfield, J. Gilbee
DEBUT: Kyle Stretton, 20, 180cm, 80kg, St Bedes-Mentone

Prediction: Brisbane Lions by 22

Brendan Rhodes’ winners: Last Round: 6. Season: 89½

Twitter: @BRhodesVFL

All Smithy’s VFL matches in 2022 can be viewed live and free. The VFL Match of the Round will be televised each week on Channel 7, with all other matches livestreamed via vfl.com.au and the AFL Live Official App. Radio station 3WBC will also again be broadcasting Box Hill Hawks matches.
To access live scores, results, ladder, stats and to link to live streams/replays, download the VFL/W Official App from the Apple or Google Play app stores.
Keep track of your Smithy’s VFL team via our VFL Match Centre, which features live scores, team and player stats, match timeline, events summary and Fantasy points. Check it out at (https://www.afl.com.au/vfl/fixture)