Lions Facing Significant Injury Blows as Season Stalls
The Brisbane Lions are grappling with a growing casualty ward, with several key players, including returning defender Keidean Coleman, facing extended stints on the sidelines. The club’s premiership defence has hit a rough patch, compounded by a series of injuries that are testing the team’s depth and resilience.
Coleman, a vital part of the Lions’ structure, has suffered a hamstring strain, a setback that could see him out of action for up to six weeks. This latest injury comes at a particularly frustrating time for the 26-year-old, who has played every game this season after missing Brisbane’s consecutive premiership triumphs due to a season-ending ACL tear in the opening round of 2024. Last year, he managed only one AFL game before a subsequent quad strain further derailed his campaign.
Adding to the Lions’ defensive woes, Tom Doedee is also sidelined for at least six weeks with a calf injury. Doedee, who arrived from Adelaide at the end of 2023, has had a challenging start to his Brisbane career, featuring in just one AFL game for the club. His recent injury occurred during the Lions’ VFL loss to Frankston.
The injury concerns extend to fringe forward Will McLachlan, who is facing a significant layoff of up to 10 weeks due to a quad issue.
These new additions join a lengthy injury list that already features some of the Lions’ most experienced campaigners. Veteran Dayne Zorko headlines this group, alongside:
- Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring)
- Oscar Allen (foot)
- Eric Hipwood (knee)
- Ryan Lester (calf)
- Jack Payne (knee)
Despite the mounting injury toll and a less-than-ideal start to their premiership defence, the club is striving to maintain a positive outlook. Jarrod Berry, who recently returned from a calf injury to play against Fremantle, acknowledged the team’s current standing but emphasised a balanced perspective.
“It’s never as good and never as bad as it seems,” Berry told reporters on Tuesday, projecting a relaxed demeanour. “We always try to find that consistent middle ground.”
The Lions currently sit in ninth position on the ladder with a 9-9 record, heading into this Saturday’s crucial QClash against fifth-placed Gold Coast, who boast a 7-4 record.
Other Club Injury Updates
The injury bug has also bitten other AFL clubs, impacting their preparations for upcoming fixtures.
In a blow for Geelong, in-form defender Lawson Humphries is in doubt for their away clash with Adelaide. Humphries sustained an injury after an awkward landing during a contest for the ball with Carlton’s Flynn Young in the Cats’ narrow four-point loss to the Blues.
“They were pretty optimistic afterwards, in the immediate aftermath,” Geelong coach Chris Scott commented on Humphries’ condition. Scott also revealed a shift in the club’s approach to player availability, stating, “We’ve taken an attitude that we would like to shift the idea that it’s possible players play, so can they play, to more of a conversation around should they play. It puts a bit of doubt on Lawson, but it shouldn’t be construed as he couldn’t play.”
On a more positive note for the Cats, veteran Jack Martin is set to return against Adelaide after being rested for the clash with Carlton.
Fremantle is also monitoring their midfield stocks, with Hayden Young listed as a test ahead of Saturday’s encounter with North Melbourne in Bunbury. Young has missed the past two matches with concussion. Additionally, Matthew Johnson (hamstring) and Brennan Cox (knee) face tests after sustaining injuries in the Dockers’ recent win over Brisbane.
Meanwhile, Essendon has received concerning news regarding key defender Lewis Hayes. Hayes re-injured his knee in the VFL over the weekend, marking his first game back after a 12-month recovery from an ACL injury. While he played out the match, he reported soreness on Monday, and subsequent scans confirmed further ACL damage. The 21-year-old’s season appears to be in jeopardy once more.
