Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Brisbane Lions injury crisis concerns have grown before Saturday’s QClash, with co-captain Hugh McCluggage ruled out of the clash against the Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium.
McCluggage suffered a calf injury at training and joins Keidean Coleman on the sidelines, leaving the Brisbane Lions with more than a dozen players on their injury list after three straight defeats.
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Gold Coast Suns Hand Jai Murray His Debut
The Gold Coast Suns will unveil academy graduate Jai Murray, with last year’s No.17 draft pick joining Zeke Uwland as another fresh face this season. Official AFL updates are available through the AFL website.
The 19-year-old Murray was at home playing video games when coach Damien Hardwick arrived to tell him he had been selected.
"Jai has dealt with some adversity through injury, but ever since he walked into the club, even throughout his time in our academy, we've been thoroughly impressed with his work rate and his self drive," Hardwick said.
"He'll play some pieces of the game through midfield but also through wing.
"He's just a really, really smart football player and uses the ball really, really well. He wins the ball, he uses it well and defensively he steps in."
Will Graham returns from concussion and Lachie Weller is back from a hamstring injury for fifth-placed Gold Coast Suns, who enter the QClash at 7-4.
AFL Selection News Across The Round
Ladder leaders Fremantle will face North Melbourne without Brennan Cox and Matt Johnson, while Caleb Serong remains out with a calf issue. Hayden Young has been named to return, and North Melbourne will be without Finn O'Sullivan due to concussion.
West Coast Eagles recruit Brandon Starcevich will make his club debut against Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium, while Cooper Duff-Tytler also returns. Port Adelaide regain Lachie Jones but lose Kane Farrell with an adductor injury.
St Kilda could bring back Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera against Sydney Swans at the SCG, where Callum Mills and Brodie Grundy return for the hosts. Essendon regain Sam Durham and Mason Redman against Carlton, while Collingwood and Melbourne will each blood debutants on King's Birthday.




