Brisbane Lions defender Conor McKenna has suggested Brisbane’s emerging ability to the plethora of AFL opportunities that have arisen due to the club’s injury horror.
The Lions’ casualty list grew even bigger after their win at QClash over the weekend over the Gold Coast Suns.
Linc McCarthy and Darcy Gardiner will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his knee, Brandon Starcevich, who underwent a pregame warm-up, will be out for at least four weeks with a calf injury and Noah Answerth has been out. Sunday’s showdown with Adelaide due to concussion protocol.
Keidean Coleman (ACL), Tom Doedee (ACL), Will Ashcroft (ACL), Zac Bailey (ankle), Dev Roberston (shoulder), Michael Carter (knee) and Callum Ah Chee (hamstring) are already on the injured list.
Of these, Ah Chee has a chance to play against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
“It’s smart for young people, but it’s terrible for them,” McKenna said.
“It’s football, which is unfortunate. . . But we have to move on.
“The VFL players will now have their chance. There will be 3 or 4 guys who will have the opportunity to be part of the team and they will have the rest of the season to fill their position.
“There are a lot of guys who are betting well. We have a smart intensity in the team and that will be put to the test over the next few weeks and the rest of the season.
“You’ll have to take advantage (of these opportunities) in the next few weeks if you have them. “
Midfielder Bruce Reville and forward Logan Morris made their AFL debuts against the Suns, while 21-year-old Harry Sharp made his first senior appearance of the season and eleventh overall.
“Seeing some of the young guys come in and play their roles. . . it moves the team,” McKenna said.
“He brings a very smart touch to the team. We needed it because in the (previous weeks) we hadn’t played well.
Shadeau Brain, 20, is potentially a candidate for his AFL debut on Sunday, while there may also be high-profile retirements for Jimmy Tunstill, who is also 20, and Jaxon Prior, 22.
Originally published as Brisbane’s young brigade was asked to make the most of unforeseen opportunities in the AFL.