Brisbane dealt another early-season blow

Brisbane has been dealt another early-season blow, with Logan Morris set to miss Saturday’s Round 1 clash against Sydney.

The Lions, already reeling from the loss of multiple stars one game into the season, have lost their young goalkicker to a hand injury.

Morris has a small fracture that he carried into Opening Round against the Western Bulldogs. Despite kicking three goals in the five-point loss, the decision was made to sideline him this week to fast-track his recovery.

The 20-year-old is expected to only miss the Swans game.

But his absence comes amid an early availability crisis for the back-to-back premier, who will be yearning for their early Round 2 bye as much as any club.

Harris Andrews’ three-match ban and Hugh McCluggage’s calf injury mean Josh Dunkley is the last captain standing, while Zac Bailey and Darcy Gardiner are also out suspended.

Jack Payne’s long-term knee injury has left the Lions without an established key back, meaning Irishman Darragh Joyce might have to come in and Ryan Lester might be required to play tall on Charlie Curnow.

Eric Hipwood (knee) won’t be available for selection until later in the year, which thrusts seven-gamer Ty Gallop and new recruit Oscar Allen into lead attacking roles.

Following the loss to the Western Bulldogs and the meeting with the Swans, the Lions’ quest for another three-peat continues with tough games against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium and Collingwood at the Gabba.

Yet Brisbane is no stranger to unforeseen setbacks and the need to tap into its reservoirs of resilience in a long campaign.

Injuries and defensive disruptions gnawed away throughout last season, when the Lions won only two of six games in the middle of the year and were well beaten by Geelong in a qualifying final before returning to win the flag.

Fagan’s “Dancing on Thin Ice” mantra underpinned a 2024 season in which the Lions languished at 2-5 after getting smacked by GWS in Canberra. Brisbane that year turned at the half-way mark with a 4-6 record - and a draw - before winning it from fifth.