All-Australian midfielder Hugh McCluggage is set to be sidelined for up to five weeks in a further blow to struggling Brisbane\u2019s hopes of securing a hat-trick of AFL premierships.<\/p>\n
McCluggage injured his calf at training on Thursday and wasn\u2019t named in Brisbane\u2019s team for Saturday\u2019s QClash battle against the Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium.<\/p>\n
The Lions released a statement on Friday, revealing the extent of the damage of McCluggage\u2019s left calf injury, which was described as a \u201cstrain\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cMcCluggage was sent for scans on Thursday, following the team\u2019s main training session, which confirmed the injury,\u201d the Lions statement said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe club expects McCluggage to miss approximately four to five weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not the first time the Brisbane co-captain has had a calf problem this season, with the injury issues perhaps having contributed to his dip in form.<\/p>\n
His latest injury also adds to Brisbane\u2019s casualty list that already includes Dayne Zorko (quad), Keidean Coleman (hamstring), Ryan Lester (calf), Linc McCarthy (hamstring), Eric Hipwood (knee), Oscar Allen (foot), Daniel Annable (shoulder), Jack Payne (knee) and Tom Doedee (calf).<\/p>\n
The injury woes haven\u2019t helped a Lions side hoping to avoid a fourth successive loss on Saturday.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re trying to build our confidence back up a bit \u2013 that\u2019s been down,\u201d Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really trying to keep everything simple and players having a narrow focus on their strengths, and us playing with a little bit more freedom.<\/p>\n
\u201cSimplicity gives you energy. If you try to over-complicate things, it takes energy away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite Fagan\u2019s concerns, Lions forward-turned-defender Ty Gallop said \u201cenergy\u201d remained high among Brisbane\u2019s playing group.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously we\u2019ve had a bit of a rough trot the last couple of weeks, but (on Saturday) getting us on the road again will get us up and about,\u201d Gallop said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe energy is good among the group. (The QClash) is a high-stakes game. (It\u2019s) the only two teams in Queensland.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know it\u2019s going to be on early, so you just give it everything you\u2019ve got.\u201d<\/p>\n