JOSH Schache will not play again this season, with the Brisbane Lions deciding to rest the key forward after a heavy workload in his first year.
Schache, the No.2 pick from last year's NAB AFL Draft, has played 17 games and kicked 16 goals in his debut season.
Lions coach Justin Leppitsch says the 18-year-old has done enough for 2016.
"We've put a lot of weight and load through him this year and it's a bit unfair on the youngest player in the comp," Leppitsch said.
"We've asked a lot of our group this year, particularly our younger brigade, and I know the results haven't been great, but they've had to endure more than most."
Schache was rested just once in the first 18 rounds, where he was the only first-year player in the top 100 for minutes played.
He then missed the round 19 match against Port Adelaide a fortnight ago and was recalled for last Saturday's humiliating loss against Adelaide.
He has regularly been manned by the opposition's best defender but shown plenty of promise with his 21 contested marks and willingness to crash packs.
"He's been terrific this year for the group and he's given our supporters some hope," Leppitsch said.
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