Although the Lions brought home the four points when they last played the Thunder away from home, Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke still believes that playing in the Northern Territory is the toughest assignment in the NEAFL.
“It’s without a doubt one of the toughest trips - that and probably playing the Swans in Sydney,” Clarke said.
“But we have travelled well as a team this year, and did a good job on our last trips to both Sydney and the Northern Territory.”
“It was a hot day when we played the Thunder earlier in the year, and we played a team of giants.”
“From memory, we shot out to a good lead, and were able to hold on after they came home strong in the second half.”
“I’d say both sides are two completely different outfits now. We were just finding our feet as a team, while NT were vastly undermanned that day.”
Clarke concedes that the journey itself presents the most challenges, but believes the warm climate shouldn’t prove too much of a factor.
“The plane ride is probably the biggest disadvantage,” Clarke said.
“We played in hot conditions last week - it was almost unseasonal weather for Brisbane.”
“Plus the majority of our side are listed players, and professionals, who play and train through the Queensland humidity, so they should be well prepared.”
The Lions Reserves are also set to field a stronger side than the one that came from behind to defeat Southport in last week’s Qualifying Final at Coorparoo.
“We’ll be largely unchanged, but we might have one or two more listed players come back from injury,” Clarke said.
“There’s every chance that both Jared Polec and Sam Sheldon could be available to play after missing the last couple of weeks.”
One other handy resource in the Lions’ camp this week has been Development Coach Murray Davis - who coached the Thunder to last year’s NEAFL Premiership before joining the AFL coaching ranks during the off-season.
“I reckon our biggest asset this week has been Murray Davis,” Clarke said.
“I’ve spent a few hours with him, just going through their likely line-up and their strengths and weaknesses.”
“He’s still got a real passion for the NT boys he coached to a Premiership last year, but he’s well and truly part of our camp now.”
Fans can watch Saturday night’s Semi Final clash LIVE online courtesy of the NT Thunder’s YouTube site starting from 6pm (local time).
The streaming vision will also include commentary.
The Lions Reserves will play the NT Thunder at Palmerston Oval in Darwin this Saturday 1 September from 6pm (local time).
