Aspley will face the Brisbane Lions in the NEAFL second Semi Final this Saturday after their come-from-behind 44-point win over the second-placed Southport in last weekend’s Qualifying Final.
The Hornets stunned the home crowd at Fanhauser Reserve by piling on 10 goals to one in a dominant final term, and in the process transformed an 11-point three quarter time deficit into a seven-goal victory by the final siren.
It sets up a tantalising match-up with the Lions, who were afforded the week off after finishing on top of the ladder at the end of the regular season.
Aspley has more than a little bit of inside knowledge of their upcoming opponent, given their line-up features last year’s Lions premiership coach Nathan Clarke and captain Cheynee Stiller.
Two-time Lions premiership player Robert Copeland is also a key member of the Hornets’ side, as is Hyundai Lions Academy member Isaac Conway, who himself has represented the Lions Reserves on occasion throughout 2013.
The only time these two sides met this year was back in Round 14, with the Lions running out 48-point winners.
However, the final margin didn’t do justice to the closeness of the contest, with Reserves Coach Leigh Harding later saying that Aspley were “the best NEAFL side outside of the AFL listed teams that we’ve played against”.
The Lions might also be vulnerable due to late season injuries.
Jared Polec’s ankle surgery has ruled him out of the season, while Daniel Merrett’s extended absence from the senior side means that one of the Reserves’ key big men can expect a call-up to face Geelong this Saturday.
It promises to be a big match, with the winner advancing straight to the Grand Final.
The loser will face the winner of the first Semi Final between Southport and Redland.
The full match details have been provided below, while lions.com.au will feature a more comprehensive preview later in the week.
NEAFL Second Semi Final
Brisbane Lions v Aspley
Saturday 31st August @ 1:30pm
Aspley (50 Graham Rd, Carseldine)
Aspley earns shot at Lions
The Lions Reserves will face Aspley in this Saturday's NEAFL Semi Final