The Brisbane Lions Reserves will be wary of this week’s NEAFL opponents, Redland, who have shot back into Finals calculations with consecutive wins against Sydney Hills and Labrador.

The Bombers, who were afforded the Bye last round, now sit 6-6 after 12 games – just one game and percentage out of the top five.

And although Redland will go into the match against the NEAFL ladder-leaders as underdogs, they will take confidence from handing the Lions a rare loss earlier this year.

“We played (Redland) in the first practice match of the year and they beat us,” Lions Reserves Coach Leigh Harding told lions.com.au.

“We are both obviously different sides now, but we certainly won’t be underestimating them.

“They’ve had some good wins over the past month, and all their stats and the way they present suggest they could be higher on the ladder.”

Harding identified Redland forwards Josh Pullman and Steve Gaertner as a couple of players that will need some attention.

Pullman (30 goals) and Gaertner (21 goals) both rank among the NEAFL’s top 15 goal-kickers.   

“They have two really good key forwards in Pullman and Gaertner, who kick most of their goals,” Harding said.

“It will be a good challenge for our key backs, and that’s what we want – good opposition to play against.

“They also have some very capable midfielders such as Phil Carse and Tom Salter who can win the ball.”

Former Lion Daniel Dzufer is also a key part of the Bombers’ line-up.

Lions fans are encouraged to head down to Coorparoo at 1:30pm this Saturday to watch the Round 17 NEAFL clash live, before heading to the Gabba at 7:40pm later on to witness the senior team in action against North Melbourne.