The Lions Reserves’ clash with Southport this Saturday looms as a genuine NEAFL blockbuster.

Both sides sit as the clear benchmarks of the Northern Conference – with the Lions undefeated after seven games and the Sharks sitting a close second having dropped just one match to the Gold Coast Suns.

Such is the enormity of the contest; the NEAFL website (neafl.com.au) will be streaming the match LIVE online. 

Reserves Coach Leigh Harding expects it will be ‘one of the toughest’ matches his young side has faced so far this season.

“It’s definitely match of the round,” Harding told lions.com.au.

“It will be a good test for us to see where we’re at – just as it will be a good test for Southport to see where they’re at.”

The Lions will travel for the fourth consecutive week, this time down the Pacific Highway, to play the Sharks at Fankhauser Reserve.

They will do with a relatively undermanned side, with in-form big man Sam Michael and livewire Josh Green called up to the senior side to replace suspended duo Daniel Merrett and Justin Clarke.

It’s also likely that one of the senior team’s emergency players – Sam Docherty, Todd Banfield, or Patrick Karnezis – will remain in Brisbane in case they’re required at the last minute to play in Saturday night’s clash against Carlton at the Gabba.

“We travel again to Southport, so it’s a good opportunity for us to go to another team’s home ground and hopefully get the chocolates. It should be a great contest,” Harding said.

“We’ve had to make a few changes with the suspensions, and injuries have meant we’re limited with people we can play.”

“It might be a bit of a mix and match, but our boys are all in good form. Plus, it give a couple of guys an opportunity to stand up.”

Southport have arguably the most experienced line-up of any non-AFL team participating in the NEAFL, with a host of former AFL-listed players including: Andrew McQualter (St Kilda / Gold Coast); Wayde Mills (Lions); Cleve Hughes (Richmond); and Haydn Kiel (Lions).

That’s not to mention State League star Danny Wise and Ben Merrett – son of former Bears Captain Roger – who is lining up for his 150th game.

“They’re probably a bigger-bodied team than the likes of GWS who we played last weekend,” Harding said.

“It will be a good test for our young guys to play against tough seasoned campaigners, rather than other 18-19 year-olds.”

Southport will host the Lions Reserves this Saturday 25 May from 1:30pm at Fankhauser Reserve, Southport.

Fans can watch a live stream of the game at www.neafl.com.au