Hipwood remains in doubt for AFL clash

While Eric Hipwood might not recover in time from his knee injury, fellow Brisbane tall forward Oscar McInerney will play against Port Adelaide.

AFL

Lion Eric Hipwood (left) is still in doubt for his side's clash with Port Adelaide. (AAP)

Brisbane will take no risks with key forward Eric Hipwood, who remains in doubt for Sunday's big AFL match against with Port Adelaide.

Hipwood suffered a knee injury in their outstanding win over GWS and was wearing a brace on the injured joint at Tuesday training.

He played out the game and has until Saturday to prove his fitness for the Sunday clash at Adelaide Oval.

But coach Chris Fagan said if there are any doubts about Hipwood's knee, then he will sit out this weekend.

"It looks quite dramatic," Fagan said of the knee brace.

"We won't be taking any risks with him - if he's not right, he'll have a rest.

"I'm pretty sure ... if he is out, it won't be for too long.

"He was quite upbeat about it this morning, so I think you can tell by the mood of the player."

The good news for the Lions is fellow tall forward Oscar McInerney should resume after a week out with concussion.

Again, Fagan said they had been conservative with McInerney, noting that players often struggle the week after they have been concussed.

"Oscar will be fine - he actually passed his tests last week," Fagan said.

"We just felt it was a pretty heavy knock and despite the fact that the tests were okay, it was best for his welfare to have a week off."

With the Lions breaking into the top four and the inconsistent Power coming off a massive Showdown win, Sunday's match is crucial for the two teams.

"If we thought the challenge against GWS was big, then it will be even bigger this week," Fagan said.

"They're fighting for a spot in the top eight, as are we."

Fagan noted that his team has a tough run to the end of the regular season, with Richmond, Geelong, the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne also to come.

For all the hype around the young Lions, Fagan remains steadfast that it is far too early to be too excited about what they might do this season.

"I thought we'd improve, I just didn't know by how much," he said.

"I know what can happen in a footy season - suddenly you find belief and really get going.

"Hopefully we're somewhere (after round 23) where we are now, but it's too hard to predict - our draw is a tough one.

"There's nothing easy coming up."


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3 min read
Published 9 July 2019 5:46pm
Source: AAP


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