Alexander is unlikely to return for the rest of the season and with fellow key forward Riley Corbett (quad) out for around a month, the Lions will have to find different avenues to goal.

Osborne recruit Alexander tore ligaments in a pre-season trial against Northern Jets, and has since broken his ankle.

Despite this he still managed 17 goals in seven games in his first season for the Lions.

"It's not looking good, he had surgery on his ankle," Martyn said.

"The verdict was he tore ligaments in the Jets trial game to begin with, and throughout the first nine rounds he tore another ligament and broke the ankle.

"To play under that duress was pretty impressive, because he was still kicking some goals and playing some good footy.

"He played some really good footy at different moments for us. We were pretty down about it as a footy team but it gives us motivation.

"It's unlikely, but he's still hopeful of playing again. Given the character of the bloke, I wouldn't put it past him to be honest because he is one tough man.

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"He really battled through for us, we shake our heads and we're astounded to be honest how he did it."

The Lions' only loss of the year came against the unbeaten Goannas in round five, but a superior percentage means they can grab top spot with a win at Ganmain Sportsground.

Martyn is confident they have enough options to hit the scoreboard for the rest of the year.

"Kai (Watts) has been in a rich vein of form lately, Jono Neville has played a good role up there for us and we've also got (ruck duo) Daniel Foley and Jacob Olsson," he said.

"They (MCUE) are a very good football side, no doubt about that. I watched them on Sunday and they were pretty clinical against Coolamon, even when they were challenged."

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