Illness and injuries rip through Brisbane Lions squad

The Brisbane Lions’ depth will be tested when they host Essendon at the Gabba on Sunday.

Keidean Coleman is one of seven Lions players ruled out of Sunday’s match against Essendon. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Lions have lost seven players for Sunday’s home clash against Essendon, with injuries and illness having ripped through Brisbane’s squad.

Expected absentees Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich (both hamstring) have been joined on the sidelines by Jarrod Berry (hamstring), Jaxon Prior (quad) and Keidean Coleman, Callum Ah Chee and Dan McStay (all AFL health and safety protocols).

The Lions named an extended squad on Thursday night, with veteran Mitch Robinson and the versatile Ryan Lester certain to be among those recalled.

Others in contention for a top-flight recall include ruckman Darcy Fort, Nakia Cockatoo and Tom Berry.

Jarrod Berry is among a host of Lions players ruled out. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Despite the long list of casualties, livewire Charlie Cameron is finding form at the right end of the season as the Lions target a top-two finish on the AFL ladder.

Cameron kicked four goals in Brisbane’s 41-point victory over the Western Bulldogs last Thursday and he’s hopeful of another profitable afternoon on Sunday.

“I guess I’d had a few quiet weeks ... so it was good to bounce back and take some opportunities, so I’m pretty pleased with it,” he said.

“I had the right match-up It was just more about making the most of it in terms of all coming in, and we were able to switch the ball a lo\t more and go forward.

“Previous games we were just going long down the line and being not boring but just straight.

“I just want to have those games and be consistent. That starts with my pressure and ability to use my legs and get up the ground.”

Cameron said it was now up to the Lions, who have won 11 from 15 this season. to make the most of their premiership chance.

“We’ve got to try and put ourselves in a good position,” Cameron said.

“This next block \we’ve got some tough games against top quality sides.

“Finishing in the top two would be ideal, but a top four spot will still give us a second chance.

“We just want to finish as high as we can, but who knows in this competition?

“Geelong are playing pretty well at the moment, Freo, Richmond are coming as well, so we’re just very excited with the challenge.”

Cameron was relieved fellow forward Eric Hipwood had escaped suspension for a “careless” push on Bulldogs player Ryan Gardner, who then collided with umpire Jacob Mollison.

“It’s good to see him back,” Cameron said of Hipwood, who was fined $2500.

Originally published as Illness and injuries rip through Brisbane Lions squad