AFL 2025: Brisbane Lions forward Lincoln McCarthy has copped another knee setback

A Brisbane Lions gun has been handed another devastating blow on the eve of the season after scans confirmed he had ruptured his ACL.

Lincoln McCarthy had made a strong return to training and was fit for Round 1 selection before his latest knee setback. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Brisbane Lions forward Lincoln McCarthy has been dealt a devastating blow with scans confirming he has ruptured his ACL for the second time in as many seasons.

McCarthy had made it through the pre-season unscathed after returning from an ACL injury he sustained in Round 8 last year.

Despite being an integral part of Brisbane’s forward line, McCarthy missed last season’s premiership as part of his recovery.

The 31-year-old was sent for scans after raising soreness in his knee to the Lions medical team last week.

Lincoln McCarthy had made a strong return to training and was fit for Round 1 selection before his latest knee setback. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Brisbane general manager of football Danny Daly expects McCarthy to approach his recovery with the same professionalism he did during the last setback.

“It’s incredibly disappointing and heartbreaking for Linc, his family and everyone at the Brisbane Lions to see him injure his ACL again,” he said.

“But we have all been so impressed with the way Linc dealt with his last ACL injury and how committed he was to return, so we have no doubt he will tackle this injury with the same attitude.

“In the meantime, everyone at the club will rally around Linc and support him through this process and he is a fan favourite as well so no doubt they will be sending their support for Linc.”

Brisbane play Sydney this weekend in the grand final rematch.