Troubled star Brendan Fevola's return to the field has been backed by ex-Brisbane Lions teammate Brent Staker.

But as Fevola took the first step back to football in Melbourne on Tuesday, Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna hinted the Lions would be better off in 2011 without the fallen forward.

The two-time Coleman medallist on Tuesday joined VFL outfit Casey at training after receiving a Lions payout reportedly worth around $1 million.

It followed a nine-week stint in rehabilitation.

Casey - an affiliate of the Melbourne Demons - has angered the AFL club for their recruitment of Fevola.

And McKenna gave a blunt assessment ahead of their much anticipated trial showdown with arch rivals the Lions at Southport on Sunday.

Asked how the Lions would fare without Fevola in 2011, McKenna said: "It may help them - who knows."

But former Lions teammate - and ex-housemate - Staker backed Fevola to make a successful return.

"Personally for him, I think it will be good for him to play footy, he needs to keep his mind occupied," Staker said on Tuesday.

"He's back in Melbourne now ... playing footy and being back around his family is the best thing for him in his life at present.

"If he puts his mind to it he can (be successful).

"He's proven over the years to be a tremendous player.

"If he does the right things, I'm sure Fev will be very good."

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