Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke said the win was testament to the players’ ability to maintain their intensity for the full four quarters.
“You certainly don’t expect to go out and win like that,” Clarke said.
“Mt Gravatt came out and kicked the first goal and it looked to be a real contest. Then our boys went nuts and kicked 11 of the next 12 goals heading into quarter time.”
“Our message to the players was to simply play their role - because that’s what will best prepare them for AFL level.”
The win was also helped by the team’s accuracy in front of goals, which is an aspect of the Reserves’ game that was probably lacking early in the season.
“We actually started a goal-kicking competition at the Club a few weeks back and ever since that, the seniors and reserves have been amazingly accurate,” Clarke said.
“There always seems to be trends that translate between the senior and reserves. For instance, if the reserves start well, the seniors generally start well also.”
With a relatively healthy list to choose from, the Reserves were also afforded the luxury of resting players who they thought might have benefited from a week off.
“We had enough guys available that we ended up resting three (Callum Bartlett, Sam Michael and Stephen Wrigley),” Clarke said.
“We actually joked during last week that if you had any sort of ailment - even something as minor as a cough - you would probably be the one getting a break. It can be that cut-throat with such a healthy list.”
In another complete team performance, Rookie Richard Newell received best-on-ground honours, while the likes of Patrick Karnezis, Claye Beams and Sam Docherty continued their rich vein of form.
“Richie Newell is having a nice patch at the moment, but there’s probably no pressure on him to play senior footy just yet given he’s still a Rookie,” Clarke said.
“Sam Docherty had plenty of the ball again, and is getting closer to making his senior debut by the week.”
Karnezis had more than 40 disposals in his new-found midfield role, but Clarke said that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s where his future in the senior team lies.
“We see it more of opportunity for him to get midfield fitness,” Clarke said.
“I don’t think a guy like Patty Karnezis would ever lose his ability to play forward. In a funny way, his class and ability to find space as a forward translates well to him playing the midfield.”
“On a tighter ground at Sherwood, there was some serious congestion during our game, and Patty just seemed to find space. His ability to do that is almost unparalleled.”
Karnezis’ development as more of an all-rounder in the Reserves could be compared to Ryan Harwood’s successful transition from a hard-nosed midfielder to running half-back.
“It’s a real credit to Ryan - he’s probably played his best game for the Club.”
“That’s what the Reserves program is all about. It gives guys a chance to learn their craft and fulfil different positions each week.”
FINAL SCORE
Brisbane Lions 11.3 20.6 28.9 34.14 (218)
Mount Gravatt 2.1 3.3 4.3 7.3 (45)
LIONS GOALS
Cornelius 7, Beams 5, Lisle 4, Buchanan 3, O’Brien 3, Hawksley 2, Karnezis 2, Docherty 2, Sheldon 2, Newell, Longer, Yeo, Dyson
LIONS BEST
Newell, Beams, Karnezis, Buchanan, Docherty, Sheldon
