The Brisbane Lions Reserves will meet the Gold Coast Suns for the third time in seven weeks this Saturday afternoon at Coorparoo from 1:30pm.

But even though the Lions won both previous NEAFL contests by a combined total of 142 points, circumstances have changed significantly since their last encounter.

The Lions’ injury list has grown considerably in recent weeks, while the Suns boast a relatively healthy squad.

“Our team is going to change given our situation with injuries,” Reserves Coach Leigh Harding told lions.com.au.

“Gold Coast had 21-listed players last week, and I believe Nathan Bock might be back from injury as well.

“They’re quite strong and a completely different outfit to the one we played in first few games. So I wouldn’t read too much into our previous results.”

The Reserves’ big man stocks will be particularly shallow, with their regular ruck combo Billy Longer and Sam Michael both in the senior team.

“Early in the year we had a lot (of key position players),” Harding said.

“At one stage I think we had five talls in the forward line, which isn’t ideal. Now it’s been whittled away, but we still have a couple.

“It presents an opportunity for someone like Michael Close to play predominantly up forward and be more of a target rather than being a third tall.

“It also gives more responsibility to our Academy kids, who are in the middle of the U18 National Championships.

“Queensland has a Bye this weekend, so hopefully we can get a few of those boys in the side.”

Saturday will also mark the Lions’ first NEAFL match at Coorparoo in six weeks and only the team’s third match at home for the season.

“We’ve only played there twice for the year. There’s 10 games to go, and six or so of them are at home,” Harding said.

“So it will be good to get back home and in front of our supporters. And given the senior game is being played on Friday night, it gives fans the chance to come along the next day to watch the next tier boys coming through.”