Adams on sidelines after knee operation

FORMER Western Bulldog Marcus Adams will miss the start of the season with the defender’s injury curse following him to Brisbane.

It can be revealed Adams, 25, was whisked in for secret knee surgery last month and is still struggling with soreness. While a return date is unclear, the prized recruit is unlikely to be fit by the end of March.

Adams suffered injuries to both feet and a shoulder at the Bulldogs but was never troubled by knee problems.

Adams is a brilliant intercept mark and capable forward target who burst on to the scene after he was drafted out of the WAFL in 2015.

But the luckless swingman missed 40 out of his final 56 games at the Dogs, including the club’s 2016 premiership.

He sought a fresh start and was traded to the Lions for pick 32 in last year’s draft and Hawthorn’s third-round pick in this year’s draft.

The loss of Adams would stretch Brisbane’s backline in the early rounds should coach Chris Fagan persist with playing Harris Andrews forward.

Brisbane is set to come up against West Coast’s twin goalkicking towers Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling at the Gabba in Round 1.

Darling booted 4.3 against the Lions in Round 23 last year while Kennedy, 31, has kicked 26.12 from past five games against Brisbane.

The Lions also face a selection dilemma in the ruck.

Unheralded big man Archie Smith has enjoyed a brilliant pre-season and is on the verge of overtaking best-and-fairest winner Stefan Martin.

While Martin remains the better prospect around the ground, Smith is growing into a fine tap ruckman and has honed his chemistry with the midfield all summer.