The struggling Brisbane Lions have suffered a major blow with vice-captain Daniel Rich ruled out for eight weeks with a broken shoulder blade.

Rich sustained the injury in a collision with a teammate at training on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old’s absence puts further heat on the Lions’ thin midfield stocks ahead of their must-win AFL match against Melbourne at the Gabba on Sunday.

With Claye Beams (knee) out for the season and former first-round draft pick Jared Polec sidelined by an ankle injury, coach Michael Voss may need to rush veteran Simon Black back into the side for his experience.

But Brisbane’s football operations manager Dean Warren said another youngster was likely to step up.

“It’s obviously extremely disappointing for Daniel,” Warren said.

“His absence though now provides an opportunity for another young player to step up and take advantage of the opportunity that will be presented to them.”

The Lions have a dismal 1-3 record after winning the pre-season cup, and are coming off a 63-point loss to North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.