The Brisbane Lions will return home on Saturday for week two of the Smithy’s VFL Finals Series to take on Williamstown.
Following a 43-point loss to the Gold Coast SUNS, the Lions are back at Brighton Homes Arena in the First VFL Semi-Final.
In a replay of the Lions last home and away game, a six-point loss to the Seagulls, Brisbane will be out to avenge that result.
Lions VFL coach Ben Hudson said he knows his troops are ready for the battle and that Williamstown will bring after a bruising encounter in their last match up.
“We’ve taken some learnings out of the Gold Coast game, and we are looking forward to the challenge Williamstown will bring,” he said.
“They are a quality side, a tough side to play, like many of the standalone Victorian sides are but we are up for the fight.
“The boys know it goes up a level in finals and we’ll be ready for the test come Saturday.”
A spot in a Preliminary Final against Werribee isthe reward for the winner.
Players to watch
Rhys Mathieson
Rhys ‘Beast-mode’ Mathieson will be looking to bounce back after a quiet game by his standards against Gold Coast.
Averaging 29.9 disposals for the year, Mathieson was back to his best in the Lions win over the Casey Demons in Round 22 collecting 38 touches and seven clearances.
The Lions will be looking to Mathieson for drive out of clearance along with his presence at stoppage.
Darragh Joyce
The big-bodied Irishman will be pivotal to the Lions success on Saturday with his ability to effect aerial contests and intercept mark.
Joyce averages 6.6 marks per outing this year and will be looking to make his presence felt against Williamstown’s potent attack.
A key pillar to the Lions defence, Joyce and the rest of his defensive unit will be aiming to nullify the Seagulls at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday.
Last time we met
Only four weeks ago the Lions played host to Williamstown in a thriller, with the Seagulls prevailing by six points.
A see-sawing contest saw neither team lead by more than 19 points throughout the match.
A host of Lions were strong with Jarryd Lyons and Mathieson leading the way, with 32 and 34 possessions respectively.
Kai Lohmann booted four goals as former Lion Mitch Cox booted three himself for Williamstown, with two of those coming in the last quarter.
Catch all the action at Brighton Homes Arena from 1:15pm with free entry to all supporters.
