Brisbane speedster Conor McKenna is set to spend the better part of the next month on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring strain.
The Northern Irishman sustained the setback during the Lions' recent intra-club hit out and as stated by the club, will spend the next three weeks recovering.
The timeline places McKenna behind the eight ball to take his place in Brisbane's Opening Round side to face Carlton at the Gabba next month, however, the Lions remain "hopeful" that the former Bomber can beat the clock and return in time.
McKenna joined Chris Fagan's pride ahead of the 2023 season, ending a two-year absence from the game in which the County Tyrone native returned home to the Emerald Isle and his Gaelic Football roots.
Yet, after helping drive Tyrone to All-Ireland glory in 2021, McKenna made his way back south, featuring in all 26 of Brisbane's 2023 fixtures, averaging 16.9 disposals and four rebound 50s each week, as well as slotting seven goals for the year.
McKenna will miss both of Brisbane's pre-season clashes, with Fagan's men scheduled to do battle against Gold Coast (Thursday, February 22 at Brighton Homes Arena) and Sydney (Thursday, February 29 at Blacktown International Sportspark).
The Lions's Opening Round clash against Carlton will take place on Friday, March 8.
