If Thursday’s intra-club match taught us anything, it’s that the competition for positions in the senior side for Round One will be as fierce as ever.

And with a relatively healthy list, there is certain to be some unlucky players when the time comes for the Match Committee to deliberate ahead of the Club’s season opener.

Quite simply, you can’t fit 35 players into a 22-man squad.

Among those vying for a spot is second year ruckman Billy Longer, who faces stiff competition in the form of fellow ruckmen Matthew Leuenberger and Stefan Martin.

All three were strong contributors on Thursday, with Longer’s effort, in particular, earning praise from midfield teammate Tom Rockliff.

“I think Billy Longer was really impressive in the ruck. It was really nice to read off him today,” Rockliff told LIONSTV immediately after the intra-club match.

Rockliff also acknowledged the three-goal performance from Aaron Cornelius – who will be in his own battle to secure a place in the forward line.

“Obviously there’s a fair bit of competition for that spot, so he’s thrown his hand up as well,” Rockliff said.

Elliot Yeo, Rohan Bewick, Sam Docherty, Claye Beams, Patrick Karnezis and Jack Crisp also impressed during the intra-club – meaning meaning the upcoming NAB Cup competition will likely prove the deciding factor on some players’ fate.

“We’ve got a few NAB Cup games and it’s going to be hotly contested for Round One spots, which is good,” Rockliff said.