A late withdrawal against St Kilda, Sanderson also missed the game against Fremantle with a strained calf muscle.

``Sando is more than a good chance to play,'' Thompson said at training yesterday.

``We're not saying he's going to play at the moment but he's 70/30 to play and he's just got to get through the week's training.

``We certainly need him back with (Glenn) Kilpatrick out.''

The Cats' chances were given a boost last night when Brownlow medallist Jason Akermanis was found guilty of kneeing at the AFL Tribunal.

The Brisbane midfielder was suspended for one match for kneeing West Coast's Daniel Kerr in Saturday's game at Subiaco.

Imposing Brisbane centre half-forward and former Geelong Falcon Jonathan Brown is under a cloud with an ankle injury after an Eagles player accidentally stood on it.

Coach Leigh Matthews said Brown would need to train fully tonight to be considered.

The Cats will be coming off a six-day break and Thompson said the players would be given only a light workout this week.

``We have a six-day recovery and we've got to go up and play a pretty good side.

``Last week's game took a lot out of the boys as far as running because of the way Fremantle play. They're a running side so we'll have a light week and hit Brisbane very fresh.''

Thompson said he would concentrate on preparing the players psychologically for the challenge of tackling Brisbane at the 'Gabba.

He said one of the big challenges was making sure the young Cats were not overwhelmed by the Brisbane players.

``I don't think we're going to be able to stop them all,'' he said referring to the Lions' formidable midfield.

``They know that it's a big challenge, that it's going to be hard and certainly (they've) got a feel for how I want them to approach the game.

``It's just one of confidence and being strong-minded.''

Brisbane forward Alastair Lynch is expected to return to the Lions side this week after being rested from the trip to Perth last weekend as a precaution due to his history of chronic fatigue.

Darryl White (calf) and Beau McDonald (ankle) are also expected to return.

Justin Leppitsch (thigh) and Jamie Charman (hip) are expected to be available after receiving bad corkies against West Coast.