Brisbane defender Keidean Colemen's season could be over after suffering what is suspected to be an ACL injury in Friday's one-point loss to Carlton, Lions coach Chris Fagan revealed.
Carlton claimed the four points with a 13.8 (86) - 12.13 (85) win at the Gabba on Friday night.
Coleman was carried from the ground after appearing to hyperextend his knee in a collision while kicking the ball on the edge of halftime before the Blues' second-half surge back into the contest.
In his post-match interview, Fagan forecast worst possible news.
"He'll get a scan tomorrow, but at this stage it's not looking (good) - it looks like an ACL....that's not confirmed, but more than likely that's what we think."
Keidean Coleman left the field in the hands of the trainers after this moment. #AFLLionsBlues pic.twitter.com/IV0V8nQLfE
— AFL (@AFL) March 8, 2024
Coleman was a standout in the Lions runner-up campaign in 2023.
The silky smooth halfback, often cited as one of the best kicks in the competition, ran second to Bobby Hill for the Coleman medal in last year's grand final.
Despite Carlton's fightback coming after halftime, Fagan said he didn't believe his absence in the second half cost them the game.
After trailing by more than 46 points in the second quarter, Carlton kicked eight-straight to pinch the lead by mid-way through the third term.
Charlie Cameron's influence was stifled with Blues defender Adam Saad sticking close-by throughout the contest.
After squandering a chance to put his side back in front seconds before the final break, Cameron was able to shake the Carlton speedster in a deep one-on-one to drive home his second major for five-point lead with 8 minutes remaining.
Blues forward Harry McKay came up clutch to hand his side the nail-biting win.
Post match, returning defender Zac Williams said it was "emotional" to get a "blue collar" win after more than 12 months on the sideline with injury.
He admitted there was a time where he questioned whether he would return to AFL footy.
GWS host Collingwood in a prelim final rematch, and Gold Coast host Richmond in a double-headed to end Opening Round on Saturday.
