THE BRISBANE Lions' AFLW side has been dealt a very early blow ahead of its 2018 campaign, losing All Australian defender Sam Virgo for the season to a ruptured ACL.

Virgo was playing for Yeronga South Brisbane in the QWAFL Grand Final against Coorparoo last weekend when she sustained the injury to her left knee in the dying stages of the match.

The 30-year-old had to be taken from the field on a stretcher after the incident, but was later named one of the best on the day.

Virgo was an important part of the Lions' run to the NAB AFLW Grand Final. She was instrumental across half-back and finished fourth in the club's best and fairest award.

She also won the 'All for One' award, given to the player who best demonstrates the club's values.

The defender, who was due to play for an Allies team against a Victorian squad in Saturday night's AFLW state of origin match at Etihad Stadium, will be placed on the club's long-term injury list for the 2018 season.

The Lions will receive a extra pick at the NAB AFLW Draft in October as a consequence.

In other news, the AFL Commission is expected to make a decision on 2019 AFLW licences on Tuesday.

Eight clubs – Essendon, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Richmond, St Kilda and West Coast – have applied.

The new teams are not expected to be publicly announced until later this week.