The Lions reserves faced a tough challenge against the Suns in the NEAFL ‘2Clash’ at Yeronga on Saturday morning, with Ben Keays again among the best, leading the Lions disposals (29) and tackles (six).
A goalless first half from a side featuring ten non-listed players set up another damaging loss, going down 21.12 (138) – 3.12 (60).
The match was dominated by former Bulldog Jarrad Grant (7 goals) and Luke Russell (35 disposals), whilst the Suns midfield brigade outpointed the Lion cubs at almost every turn.
The Suns set the tone early with a goal from the first centre clearance to crumbing forward Zak Saad, continuing the Lions early season trend of struggling to defend the forward 50 at ground level.
Despite the best defensive efforts of Jackson Paine and Eric Hipwood, the Suns continued to pile it on and kicked the first 12 goals of the match, as the Lions structures broke down at the contests and haemorrhaged turnovers from their own forward half.
A frustrated but measured Shane Woewodin urged his boys to get back to the fundamentals of the game, stick to their structures and play with pride at the main break.
The talk clearly had an effect on the Lions in the third quarter, their attack on the ball and penetration improving exponentially, resulting in goals to Keays and Matthew Hammelmann before the Suns registered three majors late in the quarter.
The Lions lapsed once again in the final term, but were buoyed by a late goal to former Wests junior and top-up player Connor Ballenden.
“I think our execution has been extremely poor for three weeks now,” said Ben Keays.
“The onus is fully on the players at the moment… whether it’s just effort, intent to play the role or, our skills.”
Keays was reserved about the possibility of playing senior footy in the near future.
“Even though the numbers might look good there’s still a lot of stuff personally I am still working on,” said Keays.
“I need to keep improving the defensive side of my game and also my skills and keep building my strength up.
“Hopefully I’m not too far away.”
Jackson Paine was bullish and vocal at fullback among a NEAFL side struggling to find their voice.
“(Paine) never gives up, he’s always using his voice and he’s had tough assignments… he’s done really well and deserves a lot of credit,” said Keays of his reserves Captain.
Top-up player Soul Cormick was also impressive with 18 disposals and eight marks, his tenacity earning him a split eyelid towards the end of the match.
A reserves side that has gone goalless for a staggering 5 out of 10 quarters this season will have to dig deep to improve their chances of taking out a victory in their next match against Aspley at Graham Road.
NEAFL LIONS 0.4 0.5 2.9 3.12 (30)
NEAFL SUNS 7.2 12.6 15.9 21.12 (138)
GOALS
Lions: Hammelmann, Keays, Ballenden
Suns: Grant 7, Wright 3, Spencer 2, Russell 2, Z Saad 2, Schoenfeld 2, L Ritchie 2, Simington
BEST
Lions: Keays, Paine, Hipwood, Robertson, Clayton, William
Suns: Russell, Grant, Tape, Matera, MacPherson, Wright
Leyshon Park, Yeronga
