‘Devastating’ season-ending injuries confirmed for two Brisbane Lions stars

Brisbane’s players will take inspiration from the stoicism of Lincoln McCarthy and Darcy Gardiner as they faced their season-ending knee injuries.

The Lions confirmed the experienced duo faced a year on the sidelines after each tearing their anterior cruciate ligaments in their knees during last week’s win against Gold Coast.

“It’s devastating news and everyone at the club are really thinking of Lincoln and Darcy,” Lions football manager Danny Daly said.

“Linc and Diz are quality players and quality people who we know will do all that they can to overcome these injuries.

“We as a club will continue to all wrap our arms around them and their families as we support them in whatever way we can during their recovery.”

McCarthy and Gardiner join teammates Keidean Coleman and recruit Tom Doedee in becoming ACL victims this season.

“It is tough to try and put your emotions to the side, particularly when we’re such a close group and we’ve been through it so many times,” midfielder Hugh McCluggage told reporters on Tuesday.

“There’s definitely a part of you that is really disappointed for them but you just have to keep going out there and get your job done.

“The boys that actually got injured were remarkable, how stoic they were … if you look at Linc and Darcy, they put on a brave face and got around all the boys.

“I think Linc was at the huddle straight after he hurt himself, helping the younger boys — that just shows how good a people they are really.”

Defenders Noah Answerth (concussion) and Brandon Starcevich (calf, four-five weeks) are also sidelined.

AAP/ABC