Keidean Coleman’s ACL injury was officially verified by Brisbane, dealing a devastating blow to the team’s already bitter one-point loss against Carlton.
In the thrilling game at the Gabba on Thursday night, just before halftime, Coleman hyperextended his knee during a tackle and landed awkwardly.
The gun halfback emerged from the ground in the grip of trainers in tense moments after lying on the ground for a while, only to be substituted out of the match.
At the press conference following the game, Lions coach Chris Fagan stated that the team was prepared for the worst, as scans on Saturday revealed a severe injury to the ACL.
Lions football manager Danny Daly stated, “It’s really disappointing news for Keidean, especially in the first game after a strong pre-season and an impressive finals campaign last year.”
But we all know that Kiddy is still young and has a bright future ahead of him with the Brisbane Lions.
Since Kiddy is a very upbeat and composed individual, I have no doubt that these qualities will support him during his recuperation in the upcoming months.
“Everyone at our club is obviously fully behind him, and we will stick by him every step of the way.
“A special thanks also goes out to the amazing Brisbane Lions supporters and all fans who have sent Kiddy well wishes on social media.”
Coleman is sidelined for the rest of the 2024 season, which is a devastating blow to one of the Lions’ most vital players.
The 23-year-old, who came in second to Bobby Hill in the Norm Smith Medal voting, was among Brisbane’s top performers during their 2023 Grand Final loss to Collingwood.
With recruit Tom Doedee getting close to returning, Coleman becomes the third Lion out with an ACL injury at the moment. Will Ashcroft is still quite some way off.
“Considering Hipwood, Rayner, ‘Ashy’ (Ashcroft) last year and now ‘Kiddy’ (Coleman) tonight, we haven’t had much luck with ACLs,” a despondent Fagan said to reporters on Friday night.
“We feel bad for all the boys who suffer those kinds of wounds because we know it will take a long time to heal.
Someone else will have an opportunity, which will be fortunate for them. However, at this point, if things proceed as we anticipate, we feel bad for “Kiddy.”
After making his AFL debut in 2020, Coleman signed a new three-year contract with the Lions on the eve of the season.
