The Brisbane Lions' mounting injury toll has been flipped into a motivating factor as the wounded squad powers towards back-to-back AFL premierships.

Assured a top-eight finish, Chris Fagan's side can secure second or third spot with a win against Hawthorn on Sunday at the Gabba.

Their 15-6-1 campaign has come despite constant injury dramas, Eric Hipwood (calf) the latest in a setback that could rule him out until a potential preliminary final.

Key forward Ty Gallop shapes as potential cover for Hipwood against a tall Hawks backline.

Small forward Kai Lohmann (calf) is set to return against the Hawks, but two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale (quad) will miss one more match.

[(L-R) Eric Hipwood, Logan Morris and Kai Lohmann.][(L-R) Eric Hipwood, Logan Morris and Kai Lohmann.] Eric

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