A nine-goal haul from key forward Scott Clouston helped the Lions Reserves to an impressive 19-point win over Mt Gravatt in an AFLQ practice match at Coorparoo last Sunday.

Clouston booted a career-best nine goals to lead the Lions to victory over the 2007 AFLQ premiers 11.7 (73) to 9.6 (54).

The big Queenslander was unstoppable up forward with 19 disposals, 15 marks and only one miss from his ten shots at goal.

It was Clouston’s first full hit-out for 2009 after an injury interrupted pre-season limited him to less than half a game in the Lions’ NAB Cup Quarter Final against Essendon at Telstra Dome.

The match also provided an opportunity for other young Lions players to gain valuable match practice ahead of the 2009 AFL Premiership Season.

2008 draftees Todd Banfield and Kieran King collected 17 disposals apiece in their first formal outing in Lions colours while Aaron Cornelius showed that he may be groomed as a defender by playing a vital role at full-back.

South Australian recruit Jack Redden was busy in the midfield with 13 disposals and six tackles while rookies Daniel Dzufer and Adam Spackman both made useful contributions.

Matt Austin was among the team’s best in his first hit-out for the season with a team-high 22 disposals, seven marks and one goal playing across half forward. Austin has overcome the nagging achilles injury that plagued him for most last season and seems set for a big year in 2009.

Sam Sheldon also returned to the field for the first time in 2009 after a bout of Glandular Fever disrupted his pre-season campaign.

Cheynee Stiller and Jason Roe also had a run with the Lions Reserves after spending limited match-time on the field in the Lions’ NAB Challenge match against Richmond at Gold Coast Stadium last Friday.

There are no senior or reserves matches scheduled for the Lions this weekend. The players will take a three-day break starting this Friday 20 March and will resume regular training on Monday 23 March.