Lions’ blow with McCluggage return on ice

Murray Wenzel and Anna Harrington |

Hugh McCluggage’s return for the reigning premiers remains on ice due to a slow-healing calf.
Hugh McCluggage’s return for the reigning premiers remains on ice due to a slow-healing calf.

Hugh McCluggage’s injured calf muscle is healing slower than expected, delaying the Brisbane Lions star’s return.

The All-Australian and newly-promoted co-captain was injured in the Opening Round loss to Western Bulldogs and missed the side’s follow up defeat to Sydney.

With a bye last weekend, it was hoped the low-grade tear would heal in time for him to face St Kilda on Saturday.

But Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said the midfielder would miss the clash, and potentially their Easter Thursday blockbuster against Collingwood at the Gabba.

“He’s not playing this weekend and whether he’s right in five days, that’s debatable,” Fagan said.

“It’s a low-grade calf injury that’s not improving very quickly.”

(L-R) Darcy Gardiner and Zac Bailey.
Brisbane are happy Darcy Gardiner (l) and Zac Bailey (r) are both back to take on the Saints. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

The Lions are already without suspended skipper Harris Andrews but will welcome back Zac Bailey and Darcy Gardiner, who both served one-match bans against the Swans.

Young forward Logan Morris (hand) is expected to be fit to play and has been named.

Daniel Annable (shoulder) and Zane Zakostelsky and James Tunstill (both omitted) make way.

The two-time defending champions let a late lead slip against the Bulldogs before Sydney blew them away at the SCG.

“They know the urgency around trying to get that win on the board,” Fagan said.

“It’s not all doom and gloom.”

The Saints have called upon veteran Dougal Howard to replace hamstrung defender Anthony Caminiti while Dan Butler comes in for Hugh Boxshall (omitted).

Essendon have dropped youngsters Jayden Nguyen, Max Kondogiannis and Hussien El Achkar while Mason Redman (knee) is out ahead of facing North Melbourne.

Gresham
Jade Gresham comes in for the Bombers. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

No.10 draft pick Jacob Farrow debuts while the Bombers called up Jade Gresham, Saad El-Hawli and Archer Day-Wicks.

The Kangaroos have dropped Jack Darling and Jacob Konstanty, while Griffin Logue (hamstring) is sidelined.

North welcome back George Wardlaw and have called upon ruck-forward Callum Coleman-Jones, who played just four games across 2024 and 2025, and defender Aidan Corr.

Collingwood skipper Darcy Moore and fellow backman Jeremy Howe have recovered from calf strains in time to face GWS, while Oscar Steene will debut.

moore
Darcy Moore has overcome his calf strain. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

Recruit Jack Buller has been dropped along with Will Parker and Ed Allan.

GWS trio Toby Bedford, Brent Daniels and Aaron Cadman couldn’t prove their fitness, while Jack Buckley (concussion) and Harry Rowston (omitted) won’t face Collingwood.

Giant Ollie Hannaford will debut while James Leake has been recalled.

Fremantle regain Jaeger O’Meara and Brennan Cox against Richmond.

AAP