Brisbane have been dealt a huge blow in their AFL finals campaign with key forward Dan McStay suffering a heavy concussion.
The 26-year-old was subbed out in the first quarter of the Lions' qualifying final against Melbourne after copping an accidental knock to to the head from teammate Nakia Cockatoo.
McStay was immediately ruled out of the game and replaced by midfielder Rhys Mathieson.
Concussion protocols mean McStay will be automatically ruled out for 12 days, meaning if the Lions lose on Saturday night he will be unavailable to line-up in a semi-final next weekend.
He could be the first AFL player to miss a final under the protocols, which were brought in ahead of this season.
