The recent good form of both the Lions’ Senior and Reserves sides - coupled with a relatively healthy list - presents a wealth of options for the team heading into the second half of the season.
It’s a luxury that makes the task in selecting the best 22 players each week a difficult proposition for the Match Committee.
“Every week you need those selection headaches - it creates great debate in the Match Committee room,” Lions Assistant Coach Shane Woewodin told LIONS TV as part of the regular Vero Coaches’ Wrap segment.
“It also creates a healthy environment around the football Club because there are players in the Reserves pressing for selection.”
“It gives the Senior players something to think about, knowing they can’t rest on their laurels. They know they’re getting heat from underneath”
“They also know that if you have one bad performance, it could put your spot in jeopardy.”
The Lions’ improved depth of talent is probably most evident by the fact the Reserves side has shot to the top of the NEAFL Northern Conference after a stunning 13-goal win over previous ladder-leaders Southport last Saturday.
Claye Beams is fresh from consecutive best-on-ground performances, while Jared Polec, Jordan Lisle, Aaron Cornelius and Patrick Karnezis have proven worthy of a senior recall.
That’s not to mention a host of in-form younger players including Sam Docherty, Callum Bartlett, Elliot Yeo and Jack Crisp.
Todd Banfield and Jesse O’Brien have also returned from injury and will be pressing for selection over the coming weeks.
But their opportunities will only come at the expense of an existing senior player.
“It’s great to see the Reserves playing some really good footy,” Woewodin said.
“They’re up and about at the moment and beat the top team on the weekend, which will give them great confidence.”
