The banged-up Brisbane Lions will be without important forward Eric Hipwood, and likely star midfielder Lachie Neale, for the rest of their premiership defence.

Dual Brownlow medallist Neale injured his right calf in the 16.16 (112) to 11.8 (74) qualifying final defeat to Geelong at the MCG on Friday night.

It was Neale's first game in more than a month, having been sidelined for the last three games of the home-and-away season due to a quad complaint. Loading Twitter content

Neale will join premiership defenders Jack Payne (knee) and Noah Answerth (achilles) on the sidelines.

Hipwood didn't play against Geelong due to a calf injury, but a scan has also revealed a partial tear in his left ACL.

The 27-year-old will have surgery in coming days in a bid to have him available during t

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