Second-year midfielder Connor McFadyen will undergo a knee reconstruction this week after rupturing his ACL at the weekend.
A week after a shining performance against All Australian Matt Crouch, the Lions academy graduate suffered the injury in match simulation training on Saturday.
High-Performance manager Damien Austin confirmed he would require a reconstruction.
“They played a bit of match practice and Connor did his ACL so that’s really disappointing for him,’’ he said.
“It is a good opportunity for him now to develop physically as a younger player and get some physicality about him.
“He’s been really positive and will have an operation this week. ‘’
The Lions received further bad news with Marcus Adams facing up to two months on the sidelines.
The key defender was sent for scans after continuing to feel discomfort in the foot that was operated on after round one.
Austin says the scans showed Adams had suffered a stress reaction that requires a period of rest.
“We did a bit of investigation and that’s going to take a little bit longer than we thought, so he might be another six to eight weeks just to let that settle,’’ he said.
“So that’s a hit, but we just have to roll with it.’’
There was also a casualty from the AFL side’s win over Port Adelaide on Saturday with Cam Ellis-Yolmen suffering a calf injury.
He left the field in the first half and did not return after the main break.
He has not been named in the traveling party to head to NSW for matches against Geelong and the GWS Giants.
“His calf tightened up, he felt like he couldn’t keep going,’’ he said.
“He’s got a strain, it is only minor so that will probably keep him out for one to two weeks.’’
The good news is the availability of skipper Dayne Zorko who has been cleared to return from his own calf injury.
Austin said while Zorko retained some Achiles soreness, the calf strain was no longer an issue and he was likely to lead the side against the Cats.
“It’s come up better than we thought,’’ he said.
“He’s ticked everything off and we’ll probably put him in.’’
