Brisbane Lions Senior Coach Chris Fagan will ring in several changes to his team for Sunday’s match against Collingwood at the MCG.
Speaking to the media at a press conference today, Fagan said the changes have been made solely due to form.
“Purely and simply, Claye Beams is out injured and the other boys have gone out of the team on form,” Fagan said.
“That’s the policy we have had all year. It will make us a young team on the weekend – I think the average age will be about 22 and a half, and there will be 15 guys 22 years-of-age or less.
“The guys coming in have been in really good form in the NEAFL, and I’m sure they will have an impact at AFL level.”
Sunday will be the first time the Lions take to the hallowed turf of the MCG this season, and Fagan said it will be a great experience for his young side.
“It’s the place where the finals are played and the place where dreams are made in football terms.”
“No doubt our young players and all of our players in fact aspire to play on [the MCG] a more regular basis further down the track.
“Every chance you get to play on that oval you want to take it with open arms and make the most of it.”
Collingwood’s form has been up and down to start the season, with each of their three wins being preceded by consecutive losses.
“It’s funny with Collingwood that they’ve lost a lot of games this year by not much and inaccurate kicking has really hurt them,” Fagan said.
“They could quite easily be a top six team at the moment. Their midfield is outstanding, no doubt we will have to play well in that area of the ground to have a chance to achieve victory.”
Fagan also touched on the topic of young forward Josh Schache, discussing the decision to rest Schache and other young players at times this season.
“We do that with some of our players [rest them]. We rested Hugh McCluggage the other week and let him go home and have a bit of a spell.”
"That’s standard – young bodies, hard seasons. Particular for young forwards, playing up against big bodies every week, it’s one of those things that’s required from time to time.”