Daniel Merrett’s late withdrawal from the Brisbane Lions’ side last Sunday proved a huge blow against the AFL’s highest scoring side, Hawthorn.

In Merrett’s absence, the Hawks piled on 21.17 (143) – the most points conceded by the Lions so far in 2013.

With a crunch game coming up this Saturday against Gold Coast at the Gabba, the Club says it's doubtful that the full-back will be available to take to the field against the SUNS.

“Rog tweaked his groin in the main training session (last week). We gave him every chance to get up, but in the end we thought it wasn’t right to select him for the senior game,” Strength and Conditioning coach Matt Hass told LIONS TV as part of the Bupa Recovery Report.

“We’ll keep a close eye on him this week and give him every chance possible to play against the Gold Coast.”

Merrett has long been one of the Lions’ most important players, and his value to the team has been on display over the past couple of months.

Call it a coincidence, but Merrett’s past two senior outings have produced stirring wins against flag fancies Essendon (Round 8) and Geelong (Round 13).

Meanwhile, the Club’s four losses experienced during that time have been when the burly full-back has been sidelined through suspension or injury.

In other injury news, Sam Docherty looks set to miss 2-3 weeks after hurting his back during Sunday's match against Hawthorn. 

Docherty has played seven senior games this season, including the past five in succession.