Brisbane's Eric Hipwood suffered a suspected season-ending ACL injury in last night's 32-point loss to St Kilda.
Hipwood landed awkwardly in a marking contest, which forced his left knee to buckle as he landed on the ground.
The 23-year-old clutched at his knee in agony after the incident and did not take any further part in the game.
Eric Hipwood has been subbed out of the game following this incident late in the first quarter.
Rhys Mathieson replaces him.#AFLLionsSaints pic.twitter.com/fgJwrPlbZ6
— AFL (@AFL) July 10, 2021
Lions coach Chris Fagan confirmed after the game that the club suspects an ACL tear after initial fears it was medial damage.
โWe did think medial at the start but theyโre fearing the worst with how he landed and the tests. Fingers crossed itโs not as bad as theyโre thinking,โ Fagan said after the game.
"That's our second one at this oval this year. It's unfortunate."
Chris Fagan on Eric Hipwood's suspected ACL. pic.twitter.com/eikxRSlEI9
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 10, 2021
Hipwood has kicked 26 goals this season, the second most at the Lions behind Charlie Cameron.
The key forward's injury added salt to the wounds for the Lions who relinquished third place on the ladder.
The Lions will hope to return to the winner's list when they face Richmond at the MCG on Friday night.
