LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Eric Hipwood of the Lions (second from right) celebrates a goal with Jake Barrett (left) and Cameron Rayner of the Lions during the 2018 AFL round 17 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Brisbane Lions at UTAS Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Brisbane's Eric Hipwood suffered a suspected season-ending ACL injury in last night's 32-point loss to St Kilda.
Hipwood landed awkwardly in a marking contest, which forced his left knee to buckle as he landed on the ground.
The 23-year-old clutched at his knee in agony after the incident and did not take any further part in the game.
Lions coach Chris Fagan confirmed after the game that the club suspects an ACL tear after initial fears it was medial damage.
“We did think medial at the start but they’re fearing the worst with how he landed and the tests. Fingers crossed it’s not as bad as they’re thinking,” Fagan said after the game.
Hipwood has kicked 26 goals this season, the second most at the Lions behind Charlie Cameron.
The key forward's injury added salt to the wounds for the Lions who relinquished third place on the ladder.
The Lions will hope to return to the winner's list when they face Richmond at the MCG on Friday night.