The senior team aren’t the only ones preparing for a season opener this weekend, with the Lions Reserves side set to commence their NEAFL title defence on Saturday at 1:30pm (local time).

The Reserves, who had a bye last week when the 2013 NEAFL season officially kicked off, will face Morningside at Esplen Oval.

Morningside are fresh from a 24-point win over Labrador in Round One, which was enough to secure them top spot on the NEAFL ladder.

New Reserves Coach Leigh Harding said the Panthers will prove tough opposition for his young side.

“I saw a bit of them last year during the Foxtel Cup,” Harding said.

“Werribee (Harding’s former Club) actually played them at the Gabba last year, so I know a few of their players.”

“(Lions rookie) Jordon Bourke regularly played with Morningside last year, so we’ll be tapping into his knowledge of their side as well.”

The Reserves will be bolstered by the inclusion of ruckman Matthew Leuenberger, who was left out of the senior side for Round One as tries to regain match fitness.

Harding expects Leuenberger will play the majority of the match.

“I’d predict he’ll play a full game rotation, which should be around 75-80% of game-time,” Harding said.

“He won’t play 100%, but we’ll ensure there is general progression to help get his body through.”

Harding heads-up a new-look coaching staff for the Reserves, along with Development Coach Gary O’Donnell and a range of Assistants.

“Steve Wildschut keeps an eye on our forward line, Clint Watts is once again looking after the midfield, while Scott Borlace is focussing on our backline as well as the Academy top-ups.”

“We had Brent Staker and Simon Black come down last week to help out as well. It’s always great to pull them and use their footy nous when we can.”