Brisbane's stoic preliminary final win over Geelong has been soured by the injury to ruckman Oscar McInerney.
McInerney dislocated his left shoulder during the first quarter and immediately came to the ground and went straight to the rooms.
In a brave attempt to rejoin his teammates, the 30-year-old strapped up his shoulder and headed back onto the field but was in obvious discomfort and pain.
McInerney's shoulder gave way for the second time and was forced from the ground, causing coach Chris Fagan to replace him with substitute Conor McKenna.
Key forward Joe Daniher was deployed in the ruck and to good effect for the Lions.
Daniher's vibrancy around the contest and athleticism was on display for the 93,066 fans at the MCG, quelling Rhys Stanley in the ruck.
Despite Stanley getting first hands to the ball, Brisbane won the clearance count 43-33, including three of those from Daniher.
McInerney was rushed to hospital to assess the damage to his shoulder but is in doubt to feature in the decider against Sydney next week.
The Swans boast arguably the best midfield in the competition, headed by Brodie Grundy and Isaac Heeney.
Fagan has Darcy Fort in waiting, who was emergency for the preliminary final against Geelong and is the likely replacement.
However, the Lions mentor wasn't too confident his big man will suit up next week given the amount of pain he was in throughout the day.
"Not sure but obviously he dislocated his shoulder," Fagan said on Triple M post-game.
"It's probably unlikely he'll play next week on the back of that.
"It'll be some sort of a miracle and a pretty good painkiller injection.
"Darcy Fort is going to get an opportunity next week and he'll be ready to take it."
It comes as the Swans will sweat on the availability of key forward Logan McDonald, who was subbed from Friday's win over Port Adelaide.
McDonald hurt his ankle and will be a watch throughout the week.
More to come.