Reserves Preview
The Brisbane Lions Reserves need only win one of their two remaining matches to lock up top spot on the NEAFL ladder.
After 18 rounds Brisbane is sitting pretty- a game clear atop the standings with a staggering percentage buffer on nearest rivals Southport and Northern Territory.
Nipping at the Sharks and Thunders’ heels is the Lions’ opponents this weekend; the resurgent Redland Bombers.
The Bombers are outright fourth heading in to round 19, and they’re arguably the form team of the competition.
After looking decidedly shaky midway through the year they’ve racked up seven consecutive wins, including the notable scalp of Southport away from home.
Their side includes several ex-AFL listed players, and Lions Coach Nathan Clarke isn’t taking them lightly.
“They [Redlands] have some quality guys who are all in really good form, the likes of Scott Clouston, Josh Pullman and Brad Howard,” Clarke says.
“They’ve won seven matches on the trot, so they must be doing something right. We know we’re in for a good challenge.”
The Lions are coming off a somewhat unconvincing 43 point victory over Mt Gravatt, a showing blighted by a sluggish start and some erroneous kicking.
Clarke admits his charges lacked spark against the Vultures, reckoning they were ‘probably 5% down on their best’, but ruled out any talk of complacency.
“In my opinion, in our organisation complacency doesn’t exist,” quipped Clarke, who played six games for the Lions in 2000-01.
“The boys definitely don’t go out there ever resting on their laurels or expecting to win-everyone puts in a huge effort.”
While former Hawk Jordan Lisle, nuggety redhead Josh Green, and goalsneak Patrick Karnezis will be missing from Clarke’s side after earning senior recalls, the Reserves have been bolstered by the inclusion of several others who were omitted from the top team.
Ryans Harwood and Lester, James Hawksley, Rohan Bewick and Niall Mckeever will all play after Michael Voss wielded the selection axe.
Sunday’s showdown with the Bombers will be a game of firsts.
It’s the first time the teams have met in 2012 and the first time Brisbane has played at Coorparoo this year.
Until this weekend Coorparoo has only had one change room facility, but with the completion of a second room the Lions can play their remaining 2012 fixtures at the ground.
“While it’s been nice playing at Yeronga all year, it’s definitely a boost to return to Coorparoo,” enthuses Nathan Clarke.
“The change rooms look great and it’s actually exciting to be playing at what we very much regard as our home ground.”
The match gets underway at 1:30pm Sunday August 5 at Coorparoo.