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Brisbane Lions fans and the wider AFL community are sending heartfelt wishes to star forward Zac Bailey and his family after his mother suffered a serious stroke this week. The 25-year-old Bailey, already serving a suspension and absent from Friday night’s match against the Western Bulldogs, made an immediate and emotional return to Adelaide to be with his family.

The news, initially reported as a standard suspension absence, took on a much more serious tone when Lions coach Chris Fagan revealed the true circumstances during a post-match press conference on Saturday. Fagan expressed the club’s full support for Bailey and his family, highlighting the incredibly difficult situation they are facing.

“Zac’s obviously dealing with a really tough situation at the moment,” Fagan stated. “His mother has suffered a stroke, and he’s flown back to Adelaide to be with her and his family. We’re all thinking of him and sending our best wishes.”

The timing of Bailey’s absence, initially a consequence of his suspension for a dangerous tackle, has been described by Fagan as a “blessing in disguise.” Had Bailey not been sidelined, he would have been forced to play through the emotional turmoil, potentially impacting his performance and wellbeing. Being present with his family during this crisis is undoubtedly his priority.

Bailey has been a crucial figure for the Brisbane Lions this season, consistently delivering strong performances and contributing significantly to the team's attacking prowess. His absence is felt, but the well-being of Bailey and his family is paramount. The Lions are managing the situation with sensitivity and discretion, respecting the family’s privacy during this challenging time.

The AFL community has rallied around Bailey, with messages of support flooding in from fellow players, clubs, and fans. The outpouring of empathy underscores the strong bonds within the league and the understanding of the personal challenges that athletes face beyond the field. We wish Bailey’s mother a speedy recovery and extend our sincere support to the entire Bailey family.

While the Lions navigate the short-term impact of Bailey's absence, their focus remains on supporting their player and his family and sending positive thoughts during this difficult period. Updates on Bailey's mother’s condition and his return to the team will be provided as appropriate, respecting the family’s wishes for privacy.