AFL finals 2022: Brisbane Lions forward Charlie Cameron kicks important goal, despite foot injury

Charlie Cameron has defied a foot injury and a miserable start to kick an important goal and keep Brisbane in their must-win semifinal with Melbourne.

Brisbane’s forward-line and its hopes of an upset win looked in tatters — with gun small forward Cameron limping off the ground with a foot injury.

The blow to Cameron came after key forward and elimination final match-winner Joe Daniher was pulled from the Lions’ side this morning to be with his partner for the birth of their first child.

Camera Icon Cameron received treatment on the bench. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Lions were almost held goalless in a dire opening quarter, after which they trail 3.6 (24) to 1.3 (9). The returning Cam Rayner squandered their best opportunity of the term, missing from 25 metres out directly in front.

Cameron was attempting to drag down Melbourne winger Ed Langdon in a tackle tight to the boundary line, but had his foot caught under the weight of his body as he landed.

He came off the ground for treatment, before returning late in the quarter.

Camera Icon Cameron celebrates his first goal. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

It means their already depleted forward-line comes under more pressure, which is compounded by an early deficit.

Lead-up forward Eric Hipwood took one mark inside 50 but has been collared by All-Australian full-back Steven May, who would otherwise have played on Daniher.

Ed Langdon, Ben Brown and Jake Melksham added early goals for the Demons.