The Brisbane Lions have this afternoon lodged paperwork to the AFL to transfer defender Ryan Harwood from the Club’s Primary List to its Long-Term Injury List.

Under the agreement, Harwood is ineligible to play for a minimum of eight weeks while on the list.

Scans yesterday confirmed Harwood had ruptured his posterior cruciate ligament. He will wear a brace for six weeks as he recovers and will be sidelined for at least eight weeks.

Matthew Hammelmann who was today announced to debut against Richmond will be elevated from the Rookie List to the Primary List in replacement of Harwood.

Hammelmann, a Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy product, will be the sixth Lion to debut in 2016.

The 20-year-old key position player has had an impressive last month for the Lions’ Reserves in the NEAFL.

The full Lions Recovery Report will be on lions.com.au later today. For the latest injury news, visit the Lions Health Centre.