McStay injury sours Lions’ big victory
BRISBANE’S tall forward stocks copped a significant blow after Dan McStay suffered an ankle injury in the thumping 75-point victory over the undermanned West Coast at the Gabba on Saturday night.
With Joe Daniher sidelined for four to six weeks with a shoulder injury and Eric Hipwood still on the cusp of his comeback from an ACL, Brisbane are set to lose McStay for a period of time after he was subbed out of the game in the first term.
As he was about to launch for a mark, McStay’s left foot got trapped and he reeled out of the pack in considerable pain. He hobbled off the ground with assistance from Brisbane medical staff and McStay punched the ground in anger as he was being treated on the boundary line. He remained in a state of discomfort on the bench before disappearing into the rooms.
Hipwood is available for selection next week when Brisbane plays Adelaide in
Adelaide. The Lions’ VFL team has the bye next weekend.
Despite the loss of McStay, Brisbane put the injury and Covid-ravaged Eagles to the sword with the brilliant beston-ground Hugh McCluggage and Charlie Cameron booting four goals each to guide Brisbane to their fourth-straight win and a 7-1 record.
McCluggage also had 26 disposals, 10 tackles, four scoring assists, three clearances and seven inside 50 entries.
The last time that Brisbane started a season 7-1 was in 1996. The Eagles slumped to 1-7 but they had just 21 listed players available and coach Adam Simpson was sidelined with Covid.