Rockliff adds to Lions' AFL injury woes

May 13, 2017 - 9:18 AM Brisbane's worrying run of injuries to experienced AFL players has continued with former skipper Tom Rockliff dislocating a shoulder in his side's 38-point loss to Hawthorn.

Rockliff struggled from the field on Saturday afternoon in Launceston, cradling his left shoulder after it was dislocated in a tackle in the last quarter.

In a young Lions group, already short of experienced hands, Rockliff joins Dane Beams (quad, one week), Mitch Robinson (foot, 10 weeks) and Allen Christensen (shoulder, season) on the injury list.

"It's a little early to tell - that will be assessed (on Sunday)," Lions coach Chris Fagan said on the severity of Rockliff's injury.

"The shoulder did go back in so that's a positive ... we'll just have to wait and see.

"With Beams, Robbo and Christensen out, our experienced players are starting to tumble but, hopefully, he'll be okay."

Brisbane's opening-round win over Gold Coast seems a distant memory, with Saturday's result extending their losing run to seven games.

It followed a 54-point drubbing by Sydney at the SCG, but Fagan was pleased with how his young players battled through a difficult part of their draw.

"The most important thing we're asking from our players at this point in their development is to give effort," he said.

"We had a six-day turnaround on the back of double (travel weeks) and I thought our blokes really battled the game out manfully.

"I was a little bit worried about that - that's like a nightmare combination ... six days and a double travel. They tried their hearts out today but just didn't have the polish of the Hawks and they were able to finish us off."

The last-placed Lions return home to host Adelaide next Saturday night at the Gabba.

Source: AAP