Lions rookies Sam Michael and Nick Hayes are headed to Adelaide after both were named in the final NEAFL Northern Conference (QLD/NT) side, which will compete against the best of the SANFL this Saturday.

Hayes was a last-minute inclusion into the team, replacing Lions teammate Jordon Bourke who was forced to withdraw with a minor injury concern.

Michael, meanwhile, was part of the initial representative squad announced late last month.

Ironically, Hayes will travel back ‘home’ to South Australia where he was drafted from just six months ago, to represent his adopted State of Queensland.

It’s a huge honour for the 18-year-old, who has quickly found his feet with the Lions Reserves at NEAFL level.

He has been particularly good in the past month, playing predominantly in the midfield alongside one of the AFL’s best in Simon Black.

Reserves Coach Leigh Harding said Hayes’ selection was due reward for his promising form.

“Nick had never played senior football before, so naturally took a bit of time getting used to it at the beginning of the season,” Harding said.

“But he’s improved out of sight and has obviously done enough to warrant a spot in the State side.”

“It means he gets the chance to go back home and play against the best players from the South Australian State League, which will be a massive challenge.”

Southport’s Jason Cotter, who will coach the State side for the seventh straight year, believes this Saturday’s clash will be one of the toughest tests for the NEAFL team.   

“I think there is a very good argument for them [SANFL] being the strongest state side in Australia – certainly the SANFL is widely-regarded as the country’s second best football league, behind the AFL,” Cotter told neafl.com.au.

“We [NEAFL] understand the enormity of the task at hand. We make no bones about the fact it will be a massive challenge, but we’re staying very positive about our chances.”

The game will be broadcast LIVE on ABC1 into Queensland this Saturday from 2:30pm, and into the Northern Territory from 2pm.