Black trained strongly during the week, but not strongly enough to convince the Lions’ Match Committee that he was ready for senior action.
The 34-year-old hasn’t played since straining an adductor muscle in team’s Round 14 loss to Hawthorn in Tasmania.
Black’s chances of gaining some valuable match practice in the NEAFL were boosted on Thursday after the NEAFL match was shifted from the Vultures’ regular home ground at Dittmer Park to AFLQ headquarters at Yeronga.
“(Black) trained well the other day, but we’re still not 100% sure if he’s going to play on Saturday,” Reserves Coach Leigh Harding said.
“If the game had been at Mt Gravatt, he was unlikely to play. But there’s a chance he could now that the game’s been moved to Yeronga.
“The change of venue came about because the surface at Dittmer Park probably isn’t in the greatest shape. It’s not the first time games have been moved from there this year.”
The change in venue won’t affect the Lions Reserves, given they played the majority of their home games at Yeronga last year.
“Yeronga is a very good surface and a neutral venue,” Harding said.
“It was our home ground last year, but we haven’t played there yet this year. The boys will still be familiar with the surface because we’ve trained there a number of times with the entire group.”
The ladder-leading Lions will be hot favourites to defeat the 10th-placed Vultures and consign them to the NEAFL wooden spoon.
However, Harding said his side certainly wouldn’t be taking Mt Gravatt lightly.
“Any opponent is dangerous if you give them a chance. We only have to be 5-10% off our game for them to cause an upset,” Harding said.
“It’s also their last game for the year – they have the Bye in Round 22. It will be interesting to see how they come out and play given they were in front for most of their game last week against Morningside.”
The Lions Reserves will face Mt Gravatt at Yeronga this Saturday 9 August from 1:30pm.
Please note the change of venue.
