Fresh from back-to-back State League premierships, the Brisbane Lions Reserves will begin their quest for three NEAFL titles in-a-row this Sunday when they face the Sydney Swans Reserves at the Gabba.

But Innovation & Development Manager Gary O’Donnell expects the Lions’ task to be even tougher this season following a re-vamp of the NEAFL competition

“From what we’ve seen in first two practice matches, the competition has improved significantly,” O’Donnell told lions.com.au.

Only five Queensland-based NEAFL clubs remain, two of which are AFL affiliated in the Lions and Gold Coast SUNS.

The remaining three Queensland sides – Southport, Redland, and Aspley – have bolstered their line-ups considerably over the off-season by recruiting the cream of the crop from former NEAFL clubs Mt Gravatt, Morningside, and Labrador, who all now compete in lower divisions.

“Even though Mt Gravatt, Morningside and Labrador are no longer part of the NEAFL, most of their players have been snapped up by the three non-aligned teams,” O’Donnell said.

“It means there will be obvious improvement across the League.

“The teams look like they’re a bit older, with more physical and mature bodies. It can only bode well for our kids’ development to play against senior bodies.

Coincidentally, this weekend’s opponent – the Sydney Swans – were also the Lions’ opponents in last year’s cross-conference championship.

“It’s just another chance for our young guys to play a game of footy,” O’Donnell said.

“It’s Round One and we’re playing against another AFL team. We see it purely as a chance for them to play together as a team and play the way the senior coach wants them to.

“It’s good that it’s being played on the Gabba, as it gives some our young blokes their first chance to play on their home turf.”

The match will be played at approximately 3:15pm AFTER the senior match between the Lions and Geelong. Fans are encouraged to hang around after the senior match to cheer the Reserves on.