Despite his side sitting atop the NEAFL ladder, Lions Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke isn’t comfortable with the tag of competition favourites.

Clarke says despite his charges’ 79-point drubbing of high-flying Southport last weekend, there other teams who should be favoured to win the league.

“I don’t think we should be favourites to win the NEAFL this year,” he says.

“I know we’re on top and playing well, but surely NT Thunder has to be right up there; they did win the comp last year after all.”

The Lions Reserves trumped the Thunder in Round 4 at their Alice Springs venue, but Clarke says it’s a much harder assignment in Darwin.

“They’re virtually unbeatable in Darwin. They’ve got a Black Caviar-like streak of games won up there; I think it’s 20, so they’re very tough.”

The Lions won’t be pitted against the reigning premiers for the rest of the regular season, but with both sides on course for a top five finish, it’s a tantalising potential Finals clash.

Clarke’s not looking ahead to September though; he says his troops are focussed on beating Mt Gravatt this weekend.

The Vultures sit second-last with three wins in 2012, but they fell just nine points short of a big boilover against Labrador last round, and Clarke says they shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“Mt Gravatt are improving definitely; they’re starting to get some continuity in their game,” he explains.

“They’ve been unfortunate as they’ve been ravaged with injuries this year, but they probably should’ve beaten Labrador last week so we’re expecting them to be really competitive.”

The Lions will again by bolstered by the inclusion of Jesse O’Brien and Todd Banfield, who both made encouraging returns from injury against the Sharks last Saturday.

O’Brien kicked a goal and laid a phenomenal 15 tackles, while Banfield racked up 13 touches playing predominantly on the wing.

Clarke says noted goalsneak Banfield will again play away from the big sticks against the Vultures in order to get more miles in his legs.

“Vossy wants him playing more through the midfield, just so he can run more and gain match fitness,” Clarke says.

“Sometimes it’s beneficial to have blokes play out of position, and that’s the case with Toddy.”

It’s widely thought that when an AFL side’s seconds are playing well the seniors invariably benefit.

When good form’s coming from underneath, competition is created for spots in the top team and there’s increased incentive for players at both levels to perform.

Clarke, who played six senior games for the Lions in 2000-2001, reckons the current success of the Reserves means the Lions are a healthier overall Club.

“I believe it’s definitely the case that when the Reserves are playing well the Club’s in a healthier position,” he says.

“In 2009 when we last played finals the Reserves made the finals, and of course when I was playing at the club in 2001 we actually won the [then] QAFL as well as obviously the AFL.”

The Lions Reserves play Mt Gravatt at 11:00am this Sunday July 1 at Sherwood.