The Brisbane Lions have confirmed the worst for Eric Hipwood, with the gun forward suffering an ACL injury on Saturday night.
Hipwood landed awkwardly after a marking contest in the opening quarter of the Lions' Round 17 loss to St Kilda.
The club revealed on Monday that scans have confirmed a rupture to Hipwood's ACL, with Lions general manager of football Danny Daly stating his sympathy for the 23-year-old.
“This is very disappointing news for both Hipwood and the Club, but we will rally around him and provide our full support to him,” Daly said.
“He’ll require surgery and rehabilitation over the next 10-12 months and the Club will provide all the help and support that he needs to get back out on the field.
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“He’s in good spirits and he’s still got many years of footy ahead of him, and hopefully many more as a Lion.”
Hipwood will undergo surgery this week, meaning his 2021 campaign will be cut short after 16 games and 26 goals.