While the Lions Reserves may be out of finals contention, they still have plenty to play for ahead of their round 18 curtain raiser matchup against 2015 grand finalists Aspley at the Gabba.
The Hornets come into the match full of confidence after defeating reigning premiers NT Thunder last weekend and will be gunning for a win to help ensure a top 2 finish.
The Lions Reserves will be without Archie Smith and Sam Skinner who were both set to make their senior debut against Port Adelaide before Skinner hyperextended his knee at training and was ruled out.
Also missing from the Reserves are Michael Close (seniors), Nick Robertson (seniors), Claye Beams (knee), Josh McGuinness (hamstring) and Jackson Paine (suspension).
They do however welcome back Jarrad Jansen and Hugh Beasley to the side, making 7 AFL-listed players taking the field.
WHERE AND WHEN
The Gabba, Saturday, July 30, 3:45pm.
DOMINANCE IN THE LIONS DEN
The Reserves have played two matches this season at the Gabba; a ground they have made their fortress. Both times they were victorious, including round 9’s trouncing of Gold Coast and round 12’s thrilling one-point win over Redland. The Lions Reserves will be battling to keep their winning record at home intact, considering last time they played, Aspley only just got over the line by three points in their ANZAC match.
CONVERSION IS KEY
Coach Shane Woewodin expressed his dismay at the Reserves goal-kicking on the weekend after finishing the match against Southport with four goals and 11 behinds.
“We didn’t cash in and take care of our opportunities when they presented themselves,” he said.
The Reserves were able to get the ball forward and take marks inside 50 but had trouble with their conversions from set-shots and this is something the Lions will be looking to amend tomorrow.
PAYNE MANAGEMENT
Aspley gun Matthew Payne has been his usual explosive and consistent self and has caused many headaches for opposition teams this year. He was last year’s Carl Herbert medallist (NEAFL Best and Fairest) and has averaged 28 disposals per game over his last five matches. If the Lions can contain or at least lessen his impact around the ground, it could spell the recipe for success.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Ryan Lester. Last week he gathered 25 touches and two goals on his way to collecting the players’ player award. He needs to fire again this week, being one of the older and most experienced players in the team. Some leadership and direction in the midfield tomorrow will go a long way towards him earning a senior recall.
FORM
Brisbane Lions (9th): WLLWL
Aspley Hornets (3rd): LLWWW
LAST TIME THEY MET
Rd 4, 2016: Brisbane Lions 9.16 (70) def. by Aspley Hornets 11.7 (73) @ Graham Road, Carseldine.
TEAM
| B | #42 Charlie Pershouse | #45 Hugh Beasley | #58 Declan Watson |
| HB | #59 Jacob Allison | #55 Sam Copland | #53 Jack Clayton |
| C | #16 Jarrad Jansen | #46 Billy Evans | #52 Soul Cormick |
| HF | #48 Jack Rolls | #37 Reid Gordon | #54 Luke O’Sullivan |
| F | #57 Olly Ritchie | #34 Jono Freeman | #51 Brock Aston |
| FOL | #13 Trent West | #19 Josh Clayton | #35 Ryan Lester |
| INT | #49 Will Fletcher | #56 Luca Mason | #50 Ryan Dadds |
#60 Connor Ballenden |
AFL LISTED PLAYER CHANGES
IN: Jarrad Jansen, Hugh Beasley
OUT: Archie Smith (seniors), Jackson Paine (suspension), Sam Skinner (knee), Claye Beams (knee), Michael Close (seniors), Nick Robertson (seniors), Josh McGuinness (hamstring),
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