- Has been a star player for the Lions this season
- Flew back to Adelaide to be with his family
Brisbane Lions star Zac Bailey rushed home to Adelaide this week after his mother suffered a serious stroke.
The 25-year-old forward was already sidelined from Friday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs due to suspension.
But Lions coach Chris Fagan revealed on Saturday that Bailey’s absence was ultimately a blessing in disguise.
‘It was probably timely that he was out, because his mum had a stroke earlier in the week,’ Fagan told SEN.
‘So he sort of went back to Adelaide to see her. And I thought to myself, I don’t really think he should play this week.’
Bailey had received a one-match ban for a high bump on Carlton’s Nick Haynes, a suspension the club unsuccessfully challenged at the tribunal.
Bailey has been a key contributor for Brisbane in 2025, kicking 26 goals across 17 appearances
The Lions forward returned to Adelaide to be with family as his mother recovered in hospital
The forward’s return is expected this week, with Fagan confirming his mother is now recovering well
Despite the scare, Fagan offered some reassurance on Saturday. ‘The good news is his mum’s going to be OK,’ he said.
Bailey has been a standout for Brisbane this season, kicking 26 goals from 17 games.
Friday night’s match was the first he has missed all year. Fagan confirmed the dynamic forward will return next week, ‘fresh from a week off.’
Brisbane held firm to claim a fourth straight AFL win, defeating the Western Bulldogs 12.14 (86) to 12.4 (76) in a tough tussle at the Gabba.
The 10-point win – after holding off a late Bulldogs’ surge as Will Ashcroft kicked a goal on the siren – enhances Brisbane’s prospects of a top four finish and allows them to celebrate the occasion of midfielder Hugh McCluggage’s 200th AFL match in style.
Defeat for the Bulldogs leaves them in a precarious position in the race for the finals, having now lost eight of the nine matches they’ve played against teams above them on the ladder.
Rhylee West kicked a game-high four goals for the Bulldogs while for the Lions Will Ashcroft had three majors and his brother Levi was one of three Lions, along with Kai Lohmann and Jarrod Berry, to kick two goals each.
Aaron Naughton had two for the visitors.
Lions midfielder Josh Dunkley was in top form against his former club, laying 14 tackles and recording 28 disposals while Bailey Dale’s 33 touches were the most for the Bulldogs.
