A free-moving Jack Gunston's calming presence will be felt even if the Brisbane Lions recruit can't win a preliminary-final berth.
The Hawthorn triple-premiership player trained well on Thursday at the Lions' Springfield base and is set to be available to play against the winner of Carlton and Melbourne at the Gabba next weekend.
He'll have to jump the queue though, with Brisbane's forward line well set and fellow veteran Jarryd Lyons proving a handy tactical substitution as a late-game ball winner.
Small forward Lincoln McCarthy said Gunston provided coach Chris Fagan with options due to his versatility, but his off-field impact was particularly crucial at this stage of the season.
"It’s just good to see him bouncing around again," McCarthy said.
"Obviously he’s an elite player. We’ll wait and see how he goes over the next couple of weeks.
"He’s awesome. I get along with Jack really well and he’s such a calm, intelligent operator.
"He’s obviously had those really good experiences at Hawthorn to help us go through this period."
Gunston and defender Daniel Rich were both sent away from the AFL side mid-season to undergo a training block, the former Hawk returning to kick a six-goal bag.
But the Lions' forward-line, powered by Joe Daniher and Charlie Cameron, hasn't missed a beat since Gunston's latest setback a month ago.
"Hopefully we’ve got more gears," McCarthy said of the forward line.
"We’ve all been playing our roles ... we’re all chipping in.
"Jack is really versatile so that is going to work in his favour and obviously he has the experience in finals.
"We know if his body is right he’ll be ready to go, but it’s not my decision."
Brisbane will train on Saturday before gathering as a team to watch their VFL side's preliminary final.
McCarthy said he felt calmer this season as he was able to fall back on the experience of four successive finals appearances.
"Amongst the group it’s quite a good feeling at the moment but talk is cheap, we have to get out there and deliver," he said.
