Brisbane Lions defender Brandon Starcevich is set to miss the first eight weeks of the 2019 season after a medical review determined further damage to his injured hamstring.

An issue around his muscular tendon junction was reviewed, with surgery being determined to be the best course of action, which he had yesterday in Melbourne.

Starcevich sustained the injury during the first quarter of the Lions’ pre-season practice match against Casey.

“It’s a real shame for Starce because he had such a great pre-season,” General Manager of Football David Noble said.

“After some further investigation by our medical team the injury turned out to be worse than first thought, so we sent him down to Melbourne for surgery.”

See the full injury list.