Exciting forward Jeremiah Maslin faces a test on his hamstring at training on Thursday night but is expected to return for just his fourth game this season.

Key defender Zac Bradley and young gun Ryan Allen are also expected to return from injury to face the Lions at Ganmain Sportsground.

As if the games between the two clubs were not big enough already, the four points on Saturday will be worth gold with the third-placed Hoppers only one game ahead of the Lions on the ladder.

In fact, a win would see the Lions replace Coolamon inside the top three.

"In terms of where both sides sit on the ladder, it's a key game for both sides," Coolamon co-coach Jamie Maddox said.

"A win sets each side up for a good run home so it's a big game for sure."

Maslin has kicked 13 goals from three games but niggling injuries have prevented him from stringing too many together.

Bradley missed the win over Leeton-Whitton due to a head injury, while Allen has got back on top of shin splints.

"They will be very handy and it gives us a little bit of depth back," Maddox said.

"Zac is a key position player, Jerry is a key position player and Ryan creates a lot of run down back for us this year so we'll be very happy to have them back."

Coolamon turned the halfway point of the season in third position, but only percentage from top spot. They had the bye last weekend, which the Hoppers used to discuss how their season is shaping.

"As a team, we had a review of where we're at and what we need to work on for the second half of the year," Maddox said.

Maddox, personally, is only eyeing the top five for the Hoppers and he said the group did not put a number on where they want to finish.

"The goals were more about how we want to play," he said.

Coolamon have not ruled out Liam Delahunty playing a part in the second half of the season and will sit down with him once he returns from the under 18 championships.

Mid-season recruit Marly McGregor is expected to play his first game in round 13 against Turvey Park, while the club is not placing any time pressure on when Lochlan Dhurrkay returns from the Northern Territory after a death in the family.

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