The Brisbane Lions Reserves will embark on the toughest assignment in the NEAFL when they head to Darwin to take on competition leaders NT Thunder at TIO Stadium on Saturday evening.

Consecutive losses have the Lions precariously placed in ninth position on the NEAFL ladder with two wins from their four matches. The Thunder, meanwhile, currently sits one game clear on the top with a 6-1 record.

But the Thunder, who are now coached by former Lions player Xavier Clarke, might still be reeling from a 125-point loss to Aspley last weekend in Queensland – their first defeat of the season.

Lions Development Coach Mitch Hahn knows Saturday’s task will be a difficult one, but said the Club welcomes pitting their young side against the NEAFL’s best opposition.

“Playing against quality opponents is a good thing for us,” Hahn told lions.com.au.

“We showed some good improvement and fell just short of Sydney (second on the NEAFL ladder) before the Bye, and weren’t far off against Southport (third) last weekend.

“This Saturday is another good challenge against the NT Thunder, who are top of the table, at their home ground.

“As we showed last week, we’re probably going to play guys in different positions to assist with their development. But as long as we can show improvement, we know we’re on the right track.”

The team will fly out to Darwin today to prepare for the longest road trip in the NEAFL.

“Travelling together is great for this group. It’s basically a dress rehearsal for when the guys transition into senior football,” Hahn said.

The Lions could be buoyed by the inclusion of versatile big man Stefan Martin, who hasn’t played a competitive match since Round 20 last season after battling a back complaint for much of the pre-season.

Fans will be able to watch Saturday night’s match LIVE online courtesy of the NT Thunder’s official YouTube channel – Thunder Vision.