The Lions earned their place in the NEAFL swansong by defeating Aspley by 46 points in the Northern Conference premiership decider, while the Swans took out the Eastern Conference title with a 52-point win over Belconnen.
The two AFL affiliate sides have met three times already this season, with the Lions winning each of them – including two on the road.
But history will count for nothing this Saturday, with both sides determined to finish on a high, despite fielding relatively depleted sides.
The Lions will head into the game with a good selection of listed players, while Sydney will also be without some key members as their senior side prepares for an AFL Preliminary Final against Fremantle on Saturday night.
But Lions Reserves Coach Leigh Harding expects Sydney’s listed players to be particularly fired-up considering they could be potentially be in line for a senior recall should the Swans once again advance through to the AFL Grand Final.
“Sydney obviously had to take a couple of extra players to Perth this week, but I expect they will have similar numbers to us,” Harding told lions.com.au on Thursday.
“But those Swans who get named to play will be fighting to hopefully get themselves a berth in the AFL Grand Final should the senior team qualify.”
The Lions will boast somewhat of a home ground advantage, with the match being played at Aspley – where the team recently overcame a spirited Hornets outfit in the NEAFL Semi Final.
Harding urged all Lions fans to head out to Aspley to watch the team in their final match for 2013.
“We really hope our supporters can come out and make some noise,” Harding said.
“We had a good crowd at Yeronga last week, but many of those were Aspley supporters.”
Entry to the match FREE and fans are encouraged to bring their own footy for some post match Kick-to-Kick.
The Aspley Hornets bistro, sports bar and canteen will also be in operation during the event. Please note that no alcohol can be brought into the venue.
Fans who are unable to attend the game, will once again be able to watch the match live online via www.neafl.com.au
View the final selected line-ups for the 2013 NEAFL Cross-Conference Championship
