St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt became the AFL's first major casualty of the season during his side's crushing 23-point loss to a relentless Brisbane outfit at the Gabba.

Riewoldt was reduced to a blubbering mess on the sidelines with a suspected broken collarbone midway through the third quarter of the often spiteful encounter.

The Gold Coast product was visibly distressed over the injury that was compounded by two off-the-ball incidents involving Lions defenders Mal Michael and Chris Scott.

Michael and Scott ensured Riewoldt wouldn't take any further part in the game by charging into the superstar's shoulder moments after he attempted to take a low diving mark on the hard Gabba surface.

Riewoldt, already clutching his shoulder, was clipped twice on the point before leaving the field and racing to the dressing sheds.

The incident was just one of a number of heated clashes during the match which the Lions eventually ran away with 18.8 (116) to 13.15 (93).

Lions hardman Chris Johnson had his guernsey ripped to shreds by Steven Baker while the tenacious Scott lost a tooth.

Brisbane established a commanding 23-point buffer by half-time before the Saints came marching back into the contest on the back of Aaron Hamill and Stephen Milne.

The visitors kicked five unanswered goals in the space of 15 minutes to steal the lead before the Lions finally woke from their slumber.

Riewoldt's departure opened the door for the hosts who rode the back of youngster Jared Brennan to victory.

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