Brisbane Lions Face Multiple Absences for Sydney Clash
Brisbane Lions midfielder Hugh McCluggage will be unavailable for next week's match against Sydney due to a minor strain in his left calf. The injury was identified through scans.
Hugh McCluggage is set to miss the upcoming match against Sydney due to a minor left calf strain identified through scans.
McCluggage, a co-captain for the Lions, exited the Opening Round game against the Western Bulldogs in the first quarter and did not return. This latest incident follows a previous cork to the same calf, which he sustained nine days earlier during the AAMI Community Series match against Gold Coast.
Lions coach Chris Fagan confirmed that McCluggage had trained strongly during the week leading up to the Bulldogs game, indicating the recent injury was unexpected. McCluggage is anticipated to be sidelined only for the upcoming Sydney match, with hopes for his return in Round 3 against St Kilda, following the Lions' bye in Round 2.
Further Absences: Trio Suspended
In addition to McCluggage's absence, Brisbane may also be without key players Harris Andrews, Zac Bailey, and Darcy Gardiner. These players received suspensions from the Match Review Officer following incidents during the loss to the Western Bulldogs.
The club has not yet announced if it will appeal any of these suspensions at the Tribunal.
The Lions could also be without Harris Andrews, Zac Bailey, and Darcy Gardiner due to MRO suspensions, with no appeal announcements yet made.