The Brisbane Lions Reserves team had their first hit-out for the year against the Southport Sharks at Frankhauser Reserve on Saturday.
Despite a 21-point loss, the Brisbane Lions saw a successful return to the field from Michael Close, Claye Beams, Trent West and Darcy Gardiner.
Lions Development Coach Leigh Harding said it was pleasing to see them move on from the frustrations of 2015 and join their teammates against the Sharks.
“They were all really good,” Harding told lions.com.au.
Michael Close made his return after rupturing his ACL in April of last year. He played in the forward line and although he didn’t make an impact on the scoreboard, he showed his strength around the contest.
“Closey was the one who’d been out for the longest… He was played well and had some good contests.”
“He marked the ball, but just couldn’t finish off his work in front of the goal.
“It’s good to have him back and it’s good for the group.”
Trent West, who is on the comeback trail from knee surgery, rucked for a majority of the game.
“He did very well given the conditions, and him coming off a knee.“
“He got his hands on a lot of ruck contests and gave first use to Billy Evans and Nick Robertson.
“And he’s pulled up well which is the most pleasing thing.”
Claye Beams spent the game at halfback. He was dangerous early on and it didn’t take long for his presence to be felt by the opposition, after Southport decided to tag him after quarter time.
“He got sat on after quarter time by one of the Southport blokes, because he was having a fair bit of influence”
Darcy Gardiner was also another strong addition to the Lions Reserves line up.
“It was good to have Dizzy back… It was a good solid Dizzy Gardiner game.”
Darcy Gardiner makes a big tackle (Photo: Courtesy of David Layden)
It was also a terrific display from some of Lions’ youth.
Billy Evans and Nick Robertson, who played through the midfield, both worked well with West. Robertson played more of an inside midfield role and also kicked a goal. While Evans produced a solid four quarter effort.
Also worth mentioning was Liam Dawson who read the play well in the backline, taking multiple intercept marks.
Keep an eye on lions.com.au on Wednesday NEAFL Coach Shane Woewodin’s Reserves Wrap where he gives his appraisal on each of the listed Lions who played against the Sharks.
SOUTHPORT 1.1 4.2 8.2 9.3 (57)
NEAFL LIONS 2.2 3.2 4.3 5.6 (36)
READ: Woewodin gives his appraisal on each of the listed Lions
