Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko faces another frustrating stint on the sidelines and hobbled AFL All-Australian defender Daniel Rich could join him.
But what happened after both men succumbed to hamstring injuries early in Thursday's Gabba clash with the Western Bulldogs meant coach Chris Fagan wasn't lamenting their loss.
Charlie Cameron kicked four goals and created five goal assists with just 12 touches in a 41-point defeat of the Bulldogs, after being 18 points behind early in the second quarter.
But their defensive unit, without veteran Rich, was instrumental in the turnaround and second-gamer Jimmy Tunstill also turned heads.
Keidean Coleman (24 possessions, 10 marks, five inside 50s and five rebound 50s) had one of his best games while Harris Andrews, Marcus Adams, Noah Answerth and Brandon Starcevich were all rock solid.
"Given they had to defend 57 inside 50s, to keep it to nine goals and a couple late and the oldest, most experienced defender was off the ground, they were all fantastic," Fagan said.
"The good thing is that Jaxon Prior (17 disposals) comes in and makes a contribution (as a substitute for Zorko) and Kiddy Coleman steps up when Richy's off the ground
"Jimmy Tunstill showed a little bit tonight, a little glimpse of what might be a really bright career."
The Lions, back into second on the ladder, play Essendon next Sunday in Brisbane.
Fagan is hopeful Zorko's latest injury is minor but admitted they be cautious given he had been all but cleared to return last Thursday to face Melbourne.
"He said it just felt like a bit of awareness," Fagan said.
"He was (running well last week). I can't explain that, but I know our medical people did everything right, he passed every test and ran the speeds he needed to run four or five days ago.
Usually when players re-injure that means a little bit longer (before returning) so that's probably what will happen."
