Jaden McGrath, Sam Mayes and Claye Beams have suffered injury setbacks and will spend time on the sidelines.
McGrath has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in the navicular bone in his foot, and been ruled out for 8-12 weeks.
McGrath has been the standout first-year draftee and played all three AFL Premiership games as well as three NAB Challenge matches in 2015.
He pulled up sore after Saturday night’s loss to Richmond at the Gabba, and got the bad news today after scans.
Mayes also reported pain in his foot after the weekend’s game, with scans revealing a stress reaction. He was in a moon boot at the Club today while the injury settles.
It remains to be seen how long Mayes will be out, although he will miss at least 2 weeks.
And in a freak accident, Claye Beams broke his little toe after catching on the side of the pool at a team session this morning. He is expected to miss 1-2 weeks.
Brisbane Lions General Manager of Football, Dean Warren, said: “It’s disappointing for these three players to be spending time out with injury, especially at a time when we require all players available to field our best possible team so we can get our season back on track.
“Jaden has been really impressive in his first year of AFL footy and we will be doing all we can to ensure he gets back fit and healthy from this long-term injury.”
McGrath, Mayes and Beams join a number of players on the Club’s injury list, including Pearce Hanley (hip), Michael Close (knee), Jono Freeman (Back), Trent West (knee), Archie Smith (knee) and Cian Hanley (knee).
Daniel Merrett (hamstring) is expected to miss another week, while Ryan Harwood (groin) and Jackson Paine (shoulder) could return through the NEAFL this week.
Captain Tom Rockliff (ribs/lung) will be monitored during training this week before a decision is made on his return for this Sunday’s game against West Coast at the Gabba.
For injury updates, check the weekly Bupa Recovery Report in the Bupa Recovery Centre.
