Brisbane Lions forward Lincoln McCarthy ruptures ACL in right knee

Brisbane Lions forward Lincoln McCarthy has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, just days away from his potential return to the Australian Football League (AFL) field. This sudden event undoubtedly deals a heavy blow to the Lions.

McCarthy also suffered an ACL tear in the same knee last year during Round 8, causing him to miss the rest of the season and the Lions' glorious journey to the Grand Final. The 31-year-old small forward had been performing well in the pre-season and was expected to return to the first team.

However, McCarthy reported swelling and pain in his knee during training last week, and scans confirmed the devastating news. Although the Lions have not explicitly stated how long McCarthy will be out, his chances of playing this season are slim to none.

"To see Link, his family and everyone at the Brisbane Lions have to go through another ACL injury is incredibly disappointing and heartbreaking," Lions General Manager of Football Danny Daly said on Tuesday. "But we were all impressed with the way Link handled his ACL injury last time and his determination to get back on the field, so we have no doubt he will approach this injury with the same attitude. In the meantime, everyone at the club will rally around Link and support him through this process, and he is a fan favorite, and there is no doubt they will also express their support to Link."

McCarthy has played 151 AFL games since making his debut for Geelong in 2012, joining the Lions in 2019. Brisbane has recently experienced a series of ACL tears, with Keidean Coleman, Darcy Gardiner, and Tom Doedee all missing time last season due to the injury. Gardiner and McCarthy tore their ACLs in the same Round 8 game. Doedee, who transferred from Adelaide, has yet to play for the Lions, having suffered his third ACL tear a year ago.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Swans will be without Aaron Francis and Indhi Kirk for Saturday's Grand Final rematch against Brisbane at the Sydney Cricket Ground due to concussion. Tall defender Robbie Fox will also be sidelined with a shoulder injury.