Brisbane Lions Vice-Captain Pearce Hanley will undergo hip surgery and be sidelined for 12 weeks.
 
Hanley has developed soreness in recent weeks and been managed through training but the Club’s medical team believe it’s in his long-term best interest to have surgery now.
 
The surgery, scheduled for next week, will clean up bone and cartilage in the hip.
 
With a 12-week rehabilitation, it’s hoped he will only miss the first month of the AFL Premiership season.
 
Lions General Manager, Football Operation, Dean Warren, said having the operation immediately was the best option for Hanley.
 
“Pearce is obviously disappointed to miss the start of the season but the sensible approach is to have the surgery now,” said Warren.
 
“We have managed the injury through recent weeks but there is no use playing through the season and making the injury worse.
 
“Pearce is a key part of our team and we will miss him but we would rather fix the problem now and make sure we get it right.”
 
For updates on Hanley’s recovery, stay tuned for the Bupa Recovery Reports in the Bupa Health Centre.