Marcus Adams joins Brisbane Lions teammate Callum Ah Chee on sidelines

Defender Marcus Adams is the second Brisbane Lions player to this week be sidelined with concussion.

Lions medical staff assist Marcus Adams after he suffered a blow to the ribs in Brisbane’s win over Carlton. Picture: Russell Freeman / AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Brisbane Lions have lost a second player under the AFL’s concussion protocols for Friday night’s clash against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, with defensive rock Marcus Adams to join Callum Ah Chee on the sidelines.

Ah Chee, the concussed victim of the rough conduct which led to a two-match ban for Carlton star Patrick Cripps, was ruled out earlier this week.

And he has been joined on the casualty list by Adams, who was forced off the field late in the weekend win over the Blues after suffering a blow to the ribs, which later led to sustained delayed concussion symptoms.

Jack Payne and Ryan Lester are the likely main contenders to replace Adams in Brisbane’s 22, while wingman Mitch Robinson – who was the medi-sub replacement for Ah Chee last weekend – is favoured to be elevated.

Concerned Lions players surround fallen teammate Marcus Adams. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Wins over St Kilda and Melbourne in the remaining two rounds of the regular season would guarantee the Lions a top-four finish heading into next month’s finals series.

Friday night’s clash is also crucial for ninth-placed St Kilda, two points adrift of Richmond.

Lions midfielder Rhys Mathieson told The Roar Deal podcast that Brisbane was ready for a desperate Saints side in finals “rehearsal”.

“Our Melbourne fans deserve a win but once again we’re (playing) a quality opposition,” Mathieson said.

“It is a (finals) rehearsal for us and … it’s great practice for us. We’re not quite getting it right yet, but we’re very close. If we can just put everything together and finish off four quarters, it’d be great.”