Brisbane Lions defender Keidean Coleman has encountered a setback in his AFL comeback, straining his hamstring just before quarter-time in the club's 25-point loss to Fremantle. The 26-year-old could be sidelined for up to six weeks, dealing a blow to Brisbane's defensive lineup.
Coleman's Injury History
Coleman had played all 12 games this season after missing Brisbane's back-to-back premierships due to injury. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the opening round of 2024 and played just one AFL game last year before a quad strain. His consistent performance this year has been a bright spot for the Lions.
Other Lions on the Sidelines
Tom Doedee, who is also working his way back from injury, is out for at least six weeks with a calf injury. Doedee has only played one AFL game for the Lions since moving from Adelaide at the end of 2023, injuring himself in the club's VFL loss to Frankston. Fringe forward Will McLachlan is facing up to 10 weeks on the sidelines with a quad issue.
Veteran Dayne Zorko headlines Brisbane's injury list, joined by Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring), Oscar Allen (foot), Eric Hipwood (knee), Ryan Lester (calf), and Jack Payne (knee).
Team Optimism Despite Setbacks
Jarrod Berry, who played against Fremantle after a calf injury, expressed optimism despite the club's sub-par start to their premiership defence. Brisbane currently sits ninth with a 9-9 record ahead of this Saturday's QClash against the fifth-placed Gold Coast (7-4).
"It's never as good and never as bad as it seems," Berry said on Tuesday. "We always try to find that consistent middle ground."
Geelong's Injury Concerns
Elsewhere in the AFL, Geelong defender Lawson Humphries is in doubt for the Cats' away clash with Adelaide. The 23-year-old landed awkwardly after a contest with Carlton opponent Flynn Young during Geelong's four-point loss to the Blues. Coach Chris Scott confirmed veteran Jack Martin would return after being rested.
"I'm not really sure. I'm not sure they're sure either, because he hasn't done a whole lot post-game," Scott said. "They were pretty optimistic afterwards, in the immediate aftermath. We've taken an attitude that we would like to shift the idea that it's possible players play, so can they play, to more of a conversation around should they play. It puts a bit of doubt on Lawson, but it shouldn't be construed as he couldn't play."
