The Brisbane Lions are reeling after scans revealed Brownlow Medallist Simon Black suffered a broken hand at training.

A spokesman for the AFL club confirmed Black had been ruled out for four to six weeks.

The Lions vice-captain suffered the injury at training on Monday night.

The news was a major blow as the Lions prepared for next Saturday's NAB Cup pre-season opener against St Kilda on the Gold Coast.

The injury to Black - one of new captain Jonathan Brown's four deputies - came after Lions dangerman Jared Brennan warned players they had to stop relying on their big name teammates.

"Browny and Blacky were brilliant last year so we have to provide enough support and step up," Brennan told the Lions website.

"Blacky almost won the Brownlow (Medal for a second time) and Browny won our B&F (best and fairest), so they had brilliant years and we still didn't make the finals.

"We can't rely on those guys. They could have another brilliant year and we mightn't make it, so the key is for us to support them.

"Guys like myself, Joely Macdonald, Joel Patful, Michael Rischitelli - we have to support them, that's the key."

Three-time premiers the Lions have not made the finals since appearing in the 2004 grand final.

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