The Lions will be out to rekindle their early season form this weekend, as they face a struggling GIANTS outfit at Spotless Stadium in NEAFL Round 8 action on Saturday afternoon. Omitted from the seniors, Josh Schache will play in the NEAFL this weekend, while Tom Cutler returns from injury and Alex Witherden is back from a hamstring injury he suffered against the Gold Coast Suns NEAFL side in Round 4. Matt Hammelmann’s barnstorming display and five goals in the Lions loss to Redland last week has seen his elevation to the senior list, and Jack Frost comes out of the side due to concussion. Reigning premiers the GIANTS, who have been struggling with injury this season, lose Jeremy Finlayson, Harry Perryman and Jack Powell from last week’s 71-point thrashing at the hands of Aspley, but will be bolstered by the inclusions of Harry Himmelberg, Tim Mohr and Brenden Myers.

Lions Health Centre: Injury List

WHERE AND WHEN

Saturday, 20 May
Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, 12.55pm

FORM

Brisbane Lions (3^rd): WWWLL

GIANTS (8^th): LLLLL

LAST TIME THEY MET

Round 21, 2016: GIANTS 28.17 (185) d Brisbane Lions 7.4 (46) at Spotless Stadium

Round 16, 2016: Brisbane Lions 9.14 (68) d GIANTS 7.13 (55) at Coorparoo

Round 8, 2016: GIANTS 19.9 (123) d Brisbane Lions 10.10 (70) at Spotless Stadium

IRISH EYES ARE SEEING DOUBLE

It’s been a long wait but last week against Redland, Cian Hanley confirmed something Lions fans have waited a long time to see: he can play. Adorned with brother Pearce’s old number 11 on his back he showed all the pace and steely resolve of his elder sibling off halfback, and was impressive with 12 disposals from limited opportunities. He’s even got an eerily similar kicking action to Pearce.

ARCH AND THE BIG O

Lions Academy product Archie Smith and former Casey Scorpion Oscar McInerney have formed one of the most formidable ruck combinations at NEAFL level, running opponents ragged and winning the hit-outs week on week. McInerney has also been a handy rotating forward, booting 9.2 from six games, while Archie takes a majority of the ruck contests and uses his freakish hops to give the midfield first use.

IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR… Josh Schache

This one almost goes without saying, but Josh Schache. The eyes of the AFL world are on the talented and off contract 19-year-old, who has struggled with form in 2017 after a promising first season. In his one NEAFL outing this season he collected 15 disposals and kicked 4.2.

TEAM

In: Jarrad Jansen, Tom Cutler, Josh Schache, Alex Witherden, Jacob Allison, Reid Gordon

Out: Jack Frost, Sam Copland, Ryan Dadds, Matt Hammelmann, Luke O’Sullivan