MAYO NATIVE PEARSE Hanley has been struck down with a hip injury that will leave him sidelined for 12 weeks and means he is expected to miss the first month of Brisbane Lions AFL season.
25 year-old Hanley is one of the mainstays in the Brisbane Lions setup but has now suffered the injury setback.
The Ballaghaderreen native is scheduled to undergo surgery next week to clean up bone and cartilage in the hip. Hanley was this week named as a vice-captain of the club alongside Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich underneath new skipper Tom Rockliff.
Brisbane Lions general football operation manager Dean Warren, told the club’s official website that having the operation immediately was the the best option for Hanley.
“Pearce is obviously disappointed to miss the start of the season but the sensible approach is to have the surgery now. We have managed the injury through recent weeks but there is no use playing through the season and making the injury worse.
“Pearce is a key part of our team and we will miss him but we would rather fix the problem now and make sure we get it right.”
Meanwhile Port Adelaide have revealed they ‘understand’ why Daniel Flynn has opted to turn his back on an Australian Rules career and return home to Kildare.
General football manager Chris Davies has revealed to the club’s official website they respect the 21 year-old’s decision.
“We’re obviously disappointed that Daniel won’t be returning to the club but we understand his reasons. Daniel has battled with homesickness while he’s been at Alberton including taking extended leave for eight weeks last March.
“Daniel has been well liked team member and we all wish him the best for the future.”
