Brisbane Lions defender Marcus Adams to miss trip to Launceston after testing positive to Covid-19

Brisbane Lions defender Marcus Adams is in isolation after testing positive to Covid-19.

Brisbane Lions defender Marcus Adams has tested positive to Covid-19. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Key Brisbane defender Marcus Adams will miss the Lions’ clash against Hawthorn in Launceston on Sunday after testing positive to Covid-19.

Adams, who is understood to have avoided the virus when it swept through the club in the pre-season, is in isolation after returning a positive test result on Wednesday.

Experienced backman Ryan Lester, who has only made one AFL appearance this season, is expected to replace Adams in Brisbane’s 22 after being named in an extended 26-man Lions squad on Thursday night.

The second-placed Lions are aiming for a ninth win from 10 matches this season, while the Hawks have only won three from nine.

Another day at the Gabba 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7F0xOTaXXF

— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) May 19, 2022

The Lions have also invested in their future by re-signing youngsters Henry Smith, Jimmy Tunstill, Darcy Wilmot and Kalin Lane.

Lions general manager of football Danny Daly said: “It’s exciting to have four of our younger players recommit to the club.

“We’ve seen some really strong growth and development from each of them since coming on board at the Lions.

“They bring plenty of excitement and energy around the group, and we’re looking forward to seeing how they continue to progress and develop over the next few years.”

Smith and Lane will remain at the Lions until at least the end of 2024, while first-year pair Tunstill and Wilmot have added a further two seasons to their existing two-year contracts, taking their deals through to the end of 2025.

“I just love it at Brisbane,” 18-year-old defender Wilmot said.

“The culture here is just unreal and I turn up every day just loving what I’m doing.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing with the boys, especially in the VFL this season.

“Hopefully I can get my opportunity soon in the AFL but in the meantime, I’m just going to keep working hard.”