The loss of vice-captain Tom Rockliff for up to three weeks has been offset at the Brisbane Lions by the possible return of skipper Dayne Beams for Saturday's AFL clash with Adelaide.
The Lions are reeling from news that Rockliff dislocated his left shoulder in the dying moments of their last round 38 point loss to Hawthorn.
Lions head of medical Peter Blanch said he doesn't expect Rockliff back until after Brisbane's round 11 bye in two weeks.
"In the last two minutes of the game Tom dislocated his left shoulder and it will keep him out for two to three weeks," Blanch told the Lions website.
"Hopefully we will get him back just after the bye."
However, the Lions have been buoyed by the imminent return of the inspirational Beams.
The former Collingwood premiership player has been sidelined the last two weeks after suffering a right quad injury against Port Adelaide.
Lions medical staff will make a final call on Beams later this week.
"Dayne Beams' quad is going really well," Blanch said.
"He will be touch and go this week. We will make a final decision at the end of training on Thursday."
Beams' return could not come soon enough for battling Brisbane with fellow midfield leaders Rockliff, Allen Christensen (collarbone) and Mitch Robinson (foot) now on the sidelines.
In more timely good injury news for the Lions, Blanch said defender Tom Cutler (hamstring) would be available for selection against what is expected to be a fired up Adelaide at the Gabba this weekend.
Last placed Brisbane - with just one win after eight rounds - take on a Crows outfit reeling from surprise back-to-back losses.
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