Brisbane Lions rookie Stephen Wrigley is set to miss the entire 2013 season after rupturing his ACL during a recent reserves’ practice match at Southport.

Wrigley has spent the past week considering his rehabilitation options, but looks most likely to undergo a traditional full knee reconstruction.

It is a devastating blow for Wrigley, who had just come off a big pre-season and was looking forward to building on the three senior matches he played last year.

The 25 year-old has already consulted teammates Callum Bartlett and Brent Staker who have faced similar challenges throughout their AFL careers, and will be fully supported by the Club throughout the process.

Wrigley becomes the first major casualty of the Lions’ 2013 season, which officially kicks off this Saturday afternoon against the Western Bulldogs.

He is one of only five players considered definite non-starters for Round One, together with Simon Black (knee), Brent Staker (knee), Jesse O’Brien (adductor), and Michael Close (foot).

On the latest Bupa Health Centre injury update, three-time Club Champion Black has been listed as being just three weeks away from returning to the field, while Staker is also expected to return within the opening month.

O’Brien has been taken off the ‘indefinite’ list and is set to resume in 5-6 weeks, and Close isn’t far away from overcoming his foot complaint.

In other injury-related news, ruckman Matthew Leuenberger has shown no ill-effects from playing half a game with the Lions Reserves two weeks ago, and is expected to play this weekend.

It’s just a matter for the Lions’ Match Committee to decide whether it’s with the seniors or reserves... 

View the complete Lions’ injury list at the Bupa Health Centre