The Brisbane Lions’ senior team might have missed out on the AFL Finals, but excitement still surrounds the Gabba as the Reserves side prepares for this Sunday’s NEAFL Grand Final against the NT Thunder.
Jordan Lisle, who spent the bulk of 2012 with the Lions Reserves before earning a senior call-up in the final month of the season, has already signalled his desire to be part of Sunday’s State League decider.
“Hopefully I can get back in the side this week,” Lisle told lions.com.au.
“I’m keen to get back in there and kick Callum Bartlett out of full-forward,” he joked.
Lisle is one of a handful of senior-listed Lions players who put his post-season break on hold for a chance to finish what he and his teammates started earlier this season.
Even some of the Lions players who didn’t qualify for the NEAFL Finals commented on the importance of the Club taking some success from 2012.
“It’s just awesome,” injured Lion Mitch Golby said.
“The players decided a couple of months ago that they were going to have a real crack at winning the Reserves Grand Final.”
“It would be a great thing for the Club to experience that type of success, and everyone around the place is pumped.”
Ryan Lester, who is ineligible for Sunday’s match having played only one Reserves game this season, said any type of Grand Final shouldn’t be taken for granted.
“You don’t get that many opportunities to play in a Grand Final - whether it’s suburban or not - so when you do have the chance to play in one, you definitely have to take it,” Lester said.
This Sunday's NEAFL Northern Conference will be streamed LIVE online courtesy of the NT Thunder's YouTube page
Finals fever hits Lions
Jordan Lisle is one of a handful of senior-listed Lions players who has put his post-season break on hold to play in the NEAFL Grand Final
