The Lions Reserves will be hungry for the win against the Sydney Swans Reserves, after being so close to knocking off 2015 grand finalists, Aspley Hornets last weekend.
Three points was the difference in the seesawing contest, with the Lions Reserves positively reversing their challenging start to the season.
Sydney Swans Reserves are sitting pretty at the top of the NEAFL ladder, and will look to solidify their undefeated streak.
Despite loosing consistent midfielder, Ben Keays to his debut for the senior side, the Lions Reserves will be bolstered by the return of defender Marco Paparone, extending the side to 15 AFL-listed players.
WHERE AND WHEN
Giffin Park, Birubi Street, Coorparoo, Sunday, May 1, 9:30am.
Follow the Brisbane Lions Twitter account for live updates throughout the game.
PAPARONE TO SET THE TONE
Running half-back and Lions utility, Marco Paparone is in line to make his return through the Reserves this week after recovering from a hamstring tendon injury. Paparone, who was rated by afl.com.au as the Lions most improved player in 2015, will be wanting to regain his form and develop match fitness, hopefully not being far away from senior return. The team will be boosted in the backline, with Paparone providing the link from the defensive 50 to the midfield.
ROUND 1 RESURRECTION
The Lions Reserves had a disappointing start to the 2016 NEAFL season, when they went down to the Sydney Swans Reserves by 122 points in Round 1. Sunday’s match will provide the Lions with the opportunity to learn from their previous mistakes, inspiring the side to register their first win of the year.
TOUGH GOIN' WITH ROHAN
The Sydney Swans Reserves will welcome back defending-forward, Gary Rohan, after he was removed from the club’s long-term injury list this week. Rohan, who is known for speed and ability to pressure opponents, will be looking to work his way back into the Swans senior side, so Brisbane will want to make it a difficult day at the office for him on Sunday.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Rhys Mathieson. The 2015 pick no. 39 draftee will come off a convincing performance in his first game for the Lions Reserves where he gathered 32 disposals and six tackles. After fracturing his cheekbone during the Lions’ NAB Challenge campaign, he wasted no time, showing his presence in the contests and drawing six free kicks. Similarly to fellow 2015 draftee Ben Keays, Mathieson will want to develop a continuous run of standout performances and earn a call-up to Justin Leppitsch’s senior team.
FORM
Brisbane (10th): LLL
Sydney (1st): WWW
LAST TIME THEY MET
Rd 1, 2016: Sydney Swans 25.12 (162) d Brisbane Lions 5.10 (40) @ Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, Burpengary.
TEAM
| B | #43 Josh McGuinness | #39 Jackson Paine | #45 Hugh Beasley |
| HB | #52 Soul Cormick | #40 Matthew Hammelmann | #22 Marco Paparone |
| C | #55 Nick Weller | #36 Rhys Mathieson | #47 Reuben William |
| HF | #51 Jack Rolls | #13 Trent West | #30 Eric Hipwood |
| F | #56 Billy Lambert | #34 Jono Freeman | #57 Olly Ritchie |
| FOL | #44 Archie Smith | #16 Jarrad Jansen | #19 Josh Clayton |
| INT | #18 Nick Roberston | #46 Billy Evans | #60 Declan Warren |
| #54 Jacob Allison |
AFL LISTED PLAYER CHANGES
IN: Marco Paparone, Billy Evans, Hugh Beasley
OUT: Sam Mayes, Ben Keays, Dan McStay
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