The Brisbane Lions are hopeful Josh Drummond will return to AFL action in 2010 after the influential defender underwent radical knee surgery on Tuesday.

The Lions were keeping their fingers crossed after LARS surgery was performed on Drummond's left knee that was damaged in last weekend's loss to Fremantle.

The Lions said club surgeon Jim Fardoulys had rated the operation a success, dramatically improving Drummond's chances of making a speedy recovery.

"While the injury remains severe, the successful surgery opens up the chance for Drummond to return later in the 2010 season," the club said in a statement.

If Drummond underwent a regular knee reconstruction he would not be expected back until mid-2011.

It was another relief for Lions coach Michael Voss who is counting his blessings after receiving a favourable injury report on key midfielder Jared Brennan on Monday.

Brennan will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks after fears that he had a broken ankle were allayed.

In further good news, defenders Daniel Merrett and Joel Patfull are back from injury while Matt Maguire returns from suspension in the Lions' daunting match-up with Geelong at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Lions defender Daniel Merrett admitted Drummond's loss was "massive" for his side, especially as they look to bounce back from three straight losses.

"There's nothing better than dishing Josh a handball out of the backline because you know he is going to find a target," Merrett said in Brisbane on Tuesday.

"And he takes most of our kick-ins as well.

"We can't rely on Josh splitting them up the middle any more.

"And having his leadership down there (in defence) is pretty big - it's a massive loss."

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