Lions forward out with dodgy calf, Berry still a chance

Justin Chadwick |

Eric Hipwood (l) is out with a calf injury but the news is much better for Jarrod Berry (r).
Eric Hipwood (l) is out with a calf injury but the news is much better for Jarrod Berry (r).

Brisbane forward Eric Hipwood will miss the start of the club’s finals campaign due to a calf injury, but there is much better news for midfielder Jarrod Berry.

Hipwood is expected to miss between three to four weeks after injuring his calf in Friday night’s 57-point win over Fremantle.

The Lions host Hawthorn at the Gabba on Sunday before there is the pre-finals bye.

If Hipwood misses the next four weeks it means he won’t be available until the preliminary-final weekend.

Hipwood went goalless from just three disposals against Fremantle, but has kicked 25 goals for the season to be an important part of Brisbane’s attack.

The 27-year-old was due to play his 200th AFL game this weekend, but the milestone match will have to wait.

Berry dislocated his left shoulder against the Dockers, but scans have cleared him of any major damage and he remains an outside chance to face Hawthorn in the top-four showdown this week.

Forward Kai Lohmann (calf) is set to return against the Hawks, but two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale (quad) will miss one more match.

Jack Payne (knee), Noah Answerth (Achilles), Lincoln McCarthy (knee) and Keidean Coleman (quad) have already been ruled out for the rest of the season by Brisbane.

Meanwhile, Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin will miss the club’s final-round clash with Geelong on Saturday with what is believed to be a broken leg.

Vlastuin suffered the injury after landing awkwardly during Sunday’s 48-point loss to North Melbourne.

The 31-year-old is a strong chance to win Richmond’s best and fairest award for the first time this year, and his hot form could also land him a maiden All-Australian berth.

Also, Essendon are optimistic captain Zach Merrett will return from a week out because of hand surgery for their round-24 double against Carlton and then Gold Coast.

Coach Brad Scott said the gun midfielder trained on Monday ahead of what would be his 250th game.

“He’s no guarantee to play, but good luck stopping him,” Scott told AFL360.

AAP