BRISBANE Lions midfielder Dayne Beams is set to have surgery to reconstruct his shoulder next Monday, which will rule him out for the rest of the season.
The 25-year-old has been a shining light in an otherwise difficult season for the Brisbane Lions and tried to play on despite the injury.
However, he left the ground late in the game against Geelong, and Lions' coach Justin Leppitsch said post-game Beams was likely to miss the rest of the season.
"It's looking unlikely he'll continue to play on, 'Beamsy', given the fact it's the second time he's fallen on it and hurt the shoulder," Leppitsch said after the game.
"It's disappointing news, but a bit par for the course for us this year to have these things happen.
With five games remaining, Beams is likely to be leading the Lions best and fairest in his first season at the club since Collingwood traded him for picks 5, 25 and Jack Crisp.
The Lions, who have been struck with injury all season, had better news in relation to ruckman Matthew Leuenberger who is likely to miss just two to three weeks.
Leuenberger landed awkwardly in the first quarter against the Cats, raising fears he may have injured his knee once again. He returned to the ground but was subbed at half-time.
However, AFL.com.au understands scans showed he had received a relatively minor strain to the leg and he would only be sidelined for a short period.
Leuenberger, who has been in good form for the Lions, is a free agent at the end of the season. He has struggled with injury throughout his 108-game career.