The Lions Reserves will be raring to reverse their early season fortunes as they take on the Suns this Saturday morning at the riverside surrounds of Leyshon Park, Yeronga.

Neither side has registered a win this season, the Suns going down in tight tussles to the NT Thunder (18 points) and Aspley (12 points) in the opening rounds.

GOAL DROUGHT

The Lions have been defeated in the first two rounds of the NEAFL season by both Sydney and Redland, going goalless in 3 out of 8 quarters so far.

The Lions majors have mostly come from crumbing forward Jaden McGrath (3 goals) and rookie Matthew Hammelmann (3 goals), so they will be looking to see more scoreboard impact from keys Trent West and Jono Freeman, who both have experience at senior level.

If the Lions want to come out on top in the reserves QClash (or perhaps ‘2Clash’), it will require more firepower than the two returns of 5.10 they have produced so far.

MAJOR KEAYS

Morningside junior and Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy product, Ben Keays, has been knocking down Justin Leppitsch’s door for a senior spot in the past two weeks as a clear standout for the reserves, averaging 36 disposals. Keays’ high work rate and skill is reminiscent of Simon Black, and at 185cm and 82kg has an almost identical frame to the Brownlow, Norm Smith and triple-premiership champion.

RAMPAGING ROBBOS

Whilst Mitch Robinson made headlines for belting Joel Selwood last week in Geelong, Nick Robertson has also been playing the role of enforcer in the NEAFL, winning a glut of contested ball and hitting hard at every opportunity. If the Lions’ forwards are going to be any chance of outscoring the Suns, a win in the clearances with the help of players like Robertson, Keays and the recalled Billy Evans will be vital.

BRIGHT SUNS

The Gold Coast Suns have many players to keep an eye on including Brayden Fiorini through the middle, and the Suns inaugural leading goalkicker Danny Stanley pushing forward. The Suns have garnered more goals from midfielders than the Lions this season, so defenders like Eric Hipwood and Jackson Paine will be looking to the midfield brigade to push back and plug holes. The inclusion of livewire Brandon Matera won’t make this task any easier for Shane Woewodin’s troops.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

The '2Clash' is the first of a double header at Leyshon Park on Saturday, the second match being between the Lions opponents from the first two rounds, the Redland Bombers and the Sydney Swans.

FORM

Brisbane (10th): LL

Gold Coast (8th): LL

LAST TIME THEY MET

Rd 18, 2015: Gold Coast Suns 23.12 (150) d Brisbane Lions 9.7 (61) @ Giffin Park, Coorparoo

TEAM

*One to be omitted

AFL LISTED PLAYER CHANGES

Brisbane Lions

IN: Liam Dawson, Billy Evans

OUT: Hugh Beasley, Michael Close

Gold Coast Suns

IN: Brandon Matera

OUT: Keegan Brooksby, Jarrod Garlett, Corey Mullins