BRISBANE has decided to take a cautious approach with young gun Lily Postlethwaite, ruling her inactive for the upcoming season despite a chance she could recover from her ruptured ACL in time to play.

The 20-year-old suffered the horror injury on February 20 against Adelaide and is on-track to complete her recovery by the standard 12-month timeframe.

However, despite the small window she might have to return in the back half of the season, the Lions are looking longer-term for their home-grown product.

Brisbane's Lily Postlethwaite attempts a kick during round three, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

"Our view with Lily … it's much better to give her the full 12-month recovery period, go and play State League in winter and get ready for next season," coach Craig Starcevich told womens.afl.

"We've always stressed to her that it's in her long-term interests to make sure we don't rush things and to give her the best opportunity to recover.

"We're not looking at her as a one or two-year player, we're looking at her as a five to 10-year player hopefully."

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Postlethwaite had made a name for herself in Brisbane's stingy backline early last season before being injured.

Her setback opened the door for teenager Indy Tahau to find a home in the back-half.

Postlethwaite was a the two-time under-18 All-Australian and did not miss a game in her debut season of 2020.