The 28-year-old has spent nine months rehabilitating post knee surgery after a partial tear was discovered in his surgically repaired anterior cruciate ligament while recovering from a separate calf injury.
Hipwood missed Brisbane's second-straight premiership last September, his previous appearance coming in a round-23 win over Fremantle.
It was his second long lay-off after previously requiring a knee reconstruction.
Hipwood has been included in an extended squad for the Lions' clash with Richmond in Hobart on Sunday.
It is a timely inclusion for Brisbane, who returned to form against Gold Coast last week following three-straight concerning losses.
The Tigers will welcome back speedster Maurice Rioli Jnr from a hamstring injury.
GWS will be boosted by the return of star forward Jesse Hogan for Sunday's clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
The one-time Coleman medallist hasn't played since a round-eight defeat to the Suns.
Former skipper Stephen Coniglio is the Giants' only omission having suffered a hamstring injury in a win over Melbourne before their bye.
In a much-needed addition for lowly Essendon, injury-plagued defender Jordan Ridley is back for the Bombers' battle with the Demons at the MCG on Saturday.
Ridley has managed just two games this season, one of them in a surprise win over the Dees in Gather Round.
The 2020 Crichton medallist has played just 21 matches over the last three seasons, but remains one of Essendon's most important players.
Young gun Dyson Sharp is also back for the Bombers.
Melbourne, who are unbeaten at the MCG this year, have made four changes - two of them forced - as the Demons and Essendon celebrate the life of Neale Daniher.
Veteran Tom McDonald and young gun Latrelle Pickett have been dropped, while forward Jake Melksham returns.
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