Harding’s first NEAFL practice match at the helm was postponed due to a torrential downpour, while the Club’s next two games were played out in trying conditions.
The Reserves’ first official hitout resulted in a 16-point loss to Redland on a rain-soaked Coorparoo, but they returned to the winners’ list the following week with a comprehensive win over an undermanned Gold Coast side in searing heat.
Harding reflected on the Reserves’ NEAFL pre-season campaign, and his own introduction to the Lions, during his first instalment of the lions.com.au's regular ‘Reserves Wrap’ column.
“It’s been a good experience,” Harding said.
“There have been some trying conditions, I guess. The first game was very much under water, and the games the week before that were cancelled. It’s not something I’ve ever experienceed before – having a winter game called off due to wet weather.”
“Then last week we played against the Gold Coast and it was 30 degrees. So we’ve played in two completely different environments, and competed well in both.”
“The practice matches have been helpful in getting the players used to the way we want to play, as well as getting to know each other.”
“We’ve used a lot of Hyundai Lions Academy kids as top-up players. It’s been important to get them introduced to the group because we’ll need them at times this year.”
“We’re all about developing our younger players, and giving many of them a small taste of what it will eventually be like when they get the chance to play in the ‘big time’,” he said.
The Academy top-ups haven’t been the only new faces on the Reserves’ roster this season, with recent draftees Sam Mayes, Marco Paparone, Nick Hayes, and Jordon Bourke all getting valuable experience.
Meanwhile, the Reserves have been without no less than 10 of the senior players who were part of their 2012 NEAFL premiership side.
“Sam Mayes was a bit restricted in the first game (after coming back from a minor groin complaint), but he has shown a lot of composure and you can already tell that he will be a quality AFL player,” Harding said.
“Paparone has an incredible running ability and reads the game well. He can also hit the scoreboard, which is something he also showed in the NAB Cup as well.”
Niall McKeever and Ryan Lester have also been among the many shining lights in the Reserves, and look determined to get their names back into senior calculations.
“In our first game, we had to use Niall in the ruck because we were short on options. I thought he was super that day, and he even went forward and kicked a couple of goals.”
“Against the Gold Coast we played Leuey in the ruck during the first half, which allowed Niall to play more up forward. He looked dangerous all day, taking a number of really nice marks and kicking 4-5 goals.”
“Lester has also been very good in the midfield. He is a bigger sort of body so can really own his area. He’s been getting his hands on a lot of the football.”
“We actually made Ryan our Captain in the first game, and he seemed to relish the opportunity.”
