The Lions Reserves will be fired up and eager to cause an upset when they take on the second-placed Giants this Sunday at Coorparoo.
The NEAFL boys will take extra motivation into the match, following last week's agonising two-point loss against the Gold Coast SUNS at Metricon Stadium.
The Lions are without Josh McGuinness (hamstring) and Josh Watts (groin).
The Giants Reserves will take the field at Coorparoo without academy product and forward-turned-defender, Harry Himmelberg, who will instead take the field at the Gabba in his AFL debut.
WHEN AND WHERE
Giffin Park, Coorparoo Sunday, July 17, 12:00pm.
CAPTAIN JACK
He plays the most important role in any team, but Reserves captain Jackson Paine has also been extremely critical to the Lions the defence so far this season. He played quite possibly his best game of the NEAFL season last week gathering 26 disposals and 8 marks. But, the biggest impact he made was not only stopping the goals, but developing key attacking plays for the Lions going forward. If Paine plays at his best this week, it will go a long way in leading his side to a huge upset.
SPREAD THE LOAD
At times this season, the Lions have struggled to even out the goal kicking with often only two to three players managing to find the big sticks. But, last week ten different players hit the scoreboard, all making their contribution in a narrow loss. With the Lions facing GWS this week, it is crucial that this versatility is replicated against a strong Giants defensive line.
GIANT PRESSURE
The UWS Giants will travel north to an anticipated cold and wet Brisbane, and will be looking to take a much needed four points home to Sydney come Sunday night. The Giants are currently in a four-way tie for second place on the ladder, only leading the pack on percentage. Matt Kennedy will play an important midfield role for the Giants, especially after gathering 34 disposals against Southport last week. Jackson Paine and the young Lions defence will also have a tough challenge going up against in-form GWS forwards, James Stewart and Will Hoskin-Elliott.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR...
Claye Beams. The Lions utility will come off a convincing performance against the Gold Coast Suns last week, where he racked up 26 disposals and seven marks. After playing four games in the NEAFL so far, he's averaging 24 disposals a match and has been extremely influential in defence and along the wing. If Beams can find some consistent form while he regains his fitness following injury, there is no doubt he will make his way back into Justin Leppitsch's senior side.
FORM
Brisbane (9th): LLW
Giants (2nd): WWW
LAST TIME THEY MET
Rd 8, 2016: Giants 19.9 (123) def. Brisbane Lions 10.10 (70) @ Spotless Stadium
TEAM
B | #41 Sam Skinner | #39 Jackson Paine | #58 Declan Watson |
HB | #59 Jacob Allison | #54 Reid Gordon | #53 Jack Clayton |
C | #18 Nick Robertson | #46 Billy Evans | #17 Claye Beams |
HF | #51 Jack Rolls | #44 Archie Smith | #48 Jake Warren |
F | #57 Olly Ritchie | #33 Michael Close | #34 Jono Freeman |
FOL | #13 Trent West | #19 Josh Clayton | #52 Soul Cormick |
INT FROM | #1 Ben Keays | #14 Josh Walker | #24 Liam Dawson |
#50 Ryan Dadds | #49 Will Fletcher | #56 Luca Mason | |
#55 James Rayner |
*Final team yet to be finalised.