There’s legitimate concern for Lions star Jarrod Berry, who appeared to sustain a dislocated shoulder in Brisbane’s emphatic 57-point win over Fremantle on Friday night.
Berry hit the turf of Optus Stadium forcefully after being pushed in the back by Andrew Brayshaw during the fourth quarter, causing his left shoulder to dislocate from the socket. He would not return to the game.
Brisbane senior coach Chris Fagan confirmed post-game that the injury was “not ideal” for the 27-year-old, who registered his 12th 20-plus disposal game for the season.
“I don’t know the full extent, obviously there will be scans and stuff like that,” Fagan said.
“It didn’t look good but sometimes [the doctors] can find a way to strap them up and get them through the season and have an operation at the end of the year.
“I’m not 100% sure on that, but it’s not ideal. He’s been one of our better players this year. He’s a very reliable leader so fingers crossed for him.
“His other shoulder he’s had operated on, that one has popped out, so now it’s the other one that’s popped out.
“He’s okay, I had a good chat to him. We’ll see how it all pans out in the next few days.”
Jarrod Berry left the field after this incident with Andrew Brayshaw.#AFLFreoLions pic.twitter.com/ZBRhg2ggGb
— AFL (@AFL) August 15, 2025
The timing of Berry’s injury poses issues for Brisbane ahead of their Round 24 clash with Hawthorn, as their midfield depth had already been stretched thin after Lachie Neale was ruled out of the home-and-away season with a quad injury two weeks ago.
Berry had been tasked with more inside midfield minutes in Neale’s absence and stepped up to the plate strongly, claiming eight contested possessions before his injury last night. How the Lions now adjust with Berry likely to face a stint on the sidelines will be an interesting watch.