This weekend sees the Lions giving back to flood affected Queenslanders in their Flood Relief Round against North Melbourne.
Through a variety of fundraisers, auctions and competitions, Brisbane will be hoping to see a big turn-out as they look to do their part in helping the community get back on their feet.
The Dirtier the Boots, the Better
Selected Lions and Kangaroos players will put their game worn boots up for auction following the conclusion of Saturday night’s clash.
In a bid to give back to the Queensland community, Lions fans will be able to bid on the boots of Joe Daniher, Dayne Zorko, Charlie Cameron, Jarryd Lyons, Linc McCarthy, Harris Andrews, Lachie Neale, Daniel Rich and Darcy Gardiner.
If that’s not enough, North Melbourne players Jack Ziebell, Hugh Greenwood, Ben McKay and Josh Walker will also auction their boots in support of the cause.
In his press conference on Friday, Dayne Zorko spoke passionately about the fundraiser.
“I don’t care who buys them or what they sell for, as long as it’s high. We want to give back as much as possible to South-East Queensland.
“Whatever we can do. We just want to raise the awareness and do the best we can to help people. I saw people’s whole livelihood sitting on the street, all their possessions ruined so all we ask of Brisbane is that they donate as much they can.”
A Tight Contest Awaits
Ladder position will be thrown out the door once the Gabba clash gets underway tomorrow night.
History says that contests between the Lions and Kangaroos are typically hard-fought encounters. In their last three encounters, Brisbane have only won by an average of 12-points.
The David Noble led Kangaroos will be looking to continue their winning ways after dismissing a battered West Coast Eagles side last Sunday at Marvel stadium.
For the Lions, they’ll be eyeing off a 3-0 start to the season after overcoming Essendon in Melbourne last week.
Jaidyn Stephenson will return for the Roos and will provide plenty of dash through the midfield, while Brisbane will welcome hard-hitter Mitch Robinson back to the 22 after he served his one-match suspension.
Starce Celebrates 50 in ‘Starce Style’
An unsung hero in the Brisbane backline, Brandon Starcevich will run out for his 50th AFL game on Saturday night.
If the saying actions speak louder than words could only apply to one Lions player, it would be Brandon Starcevich. The West Aussie barely says “Boo” around the Club during the week but come the weekend he has opponents shaking in their boots.
As he approaches his 50th AFL game against the Kangaroos at the Gabba on Saturday you could count the number of media appearances he’s done in his career to date on one hand. It would require even less digits to tally the goals he’s surrendered to the very best small forwards in the competition in that time.
“I leave the limelight to Charlie and Mitch, those guys can lap it up all they want, under the radar is where I like to be, so I try to hide myself away a little bit,’’ he said.
“But I am noticing the extra attention, you go out there on game day and I guess you’re not a surprise to anyone anymore, so I’ve got to figure out new tricks."
“But it is nice recognition, especially from the outside world and from people who have played the game, it is nice to hear but it doesn’t change much from my end.’’
The 22-year-old was a little more forthcoming when asked about his love of the physical contest and taking on the competition’s most damaging goal kickers.
“As much as I can I like to rough it up and hit some bodies,’’ he said.
“I’m a pretty competitive guy, that’s what I’ve built my game off, I love the one-on-one stuff and although its not always pretty stuff down back it certainly gets recognized within our four walls.’’
