The Lions Reserves will be in high spirits coming off last weekend’s huge 112 point victory over the Suns Reserves at the Gabba.
This week they have named 13 AFL-listed players to take on last-placed Canberra Demons who are still yet to register a win this season.
The Lions Reserves are without Jarrad Jansen (Seniors), Marco Paparone (hamstring tightness), Josh Green (hip complaint) and Josh Clayton (Senior emergency), however will be buoyed by the inclusions of Rhys Mathieson, Michael Close, Hugh Beasley and Sam Skinner.
WHERE AND WHEN
Manuka Oval (Canberra), Saturday, June 4, 12:00pm
Unfortunately there is no live stream of this game online.
CLOSE (RE)CALL?
Michael Close is back. Close will return for his first game since Round 2 in the NEAFL this year, after fracturing his right wrist and injuring a ligament in his right foot in seperate incidents against Redland. It will be exciting to see Close back in the Reserves as he tries to string together consecutive games and push for a senior recall.
UNLEASH THE BEAST
Rhys “Beastmode” Mathieson will return to the Reserves this week after being omitted from the senior side. Young Lion Jarrad Jansen has been rewarded for his best on ground performance in last week’s thumping of the Suns and will make his AFL debut tomorrow afternoon against Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Mathieson will be hungry to earn his spot back in the Seniors with a big game against the last-placed Demons.
100-GAMER HARPER
Canberra star Jordan Harper will be dangerous for the Demons in his 100th NEAFL match tomorrow. The young midfielder is one of the best young talents in the NEAFL and his side will be looking for a breakthrough win against the Lions at home. If the Lions can look to limit Harper’s impact through the middle they will go a long way towards winning the match.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Josh Walker. The tall forward is coming off a 5-goal game last week against the Suns Reserves at the Gabba and will be looking to replicate that form again tomorrow. Another big game in front of the posts could see his name right in contention for a return to AFL footy against Fremantle at the Gabba next weekend.
FORM
Brisbane Lions (9th): LLLLW
Canberra Demons (10th): LLLLL
LAST TIME THEY MET
Rd 11, 2015: Brisbane Lions 8.12 (60) def. by Canberra Demons 11.4 (70) @ Manuka Oval
TEAM
| B | #55 Sam Gribble | #41 Sam Skinner | #54 Isaac Corvo |
| HB | #45 Hugh Beasley | #40 Matthew Hammelmann | #20 Josh Watts |
| C | #57 Olly Ritchie | #36 Rhys Mathieson | #47 Reuben William |
| HF | #49 Sam Copland | #46 Billy Evans | #30 Eric Hipwood |
| F | #33 Michael Close | #14 Josh Walker | #24 Liam Dawson |
| FOL | #44 Archie Smith | #17 Claye Beams | #48 Jake Warren |
| INT | #50 Ryan Dadds | #56 Luca Mason | #51 Will Fletcher |
| #53 Billy Lambert |
AFL LISTED PLAYER CHANGES
IN: Michael Close, Rhys Mathieson, Hugh Beasley, Sam Skinner
OUT: Jarrad Jansen, Marco Paparone, Josh Clayton, Josh Green
Latest Video: Jansen to debut
