Both Todd Banfield and Jesse O’Brien are expected to make their respective returns from injury this Saturday afternoon when Southport hosts the Lions Reserves on the Gold Coast in a top-of-the-table NEAFL clash.

Southport sits one win clear atop the NEAFL ladder, although the second-placed Lions have a far superior percentage, meaning a win will see them leapfrog the Sharks into first position.

Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke knows it will be a huge test for his side against one of the legitimate State League powerhouses.

“The boys know that it’s going to be a big test, but they will treat it like any other game.”

“We’ve probably been accused over the years of not wanting to win the local competition, but I can tell you that our boys are definitely keen this year.”

The Reserves will be bolstered by the returns of Banfield (leg) and O’Brien (groin) from injury, as well as Cheynee Stiller who missed last week’s win over Gold Coast after he travelled to Melbourne with the senior team as the emergency.

“We feel like we have a stronger team that we had last week. We will have a bit more body size and experience,” Clarke said.

“There’s certainly no excuses. We feel like we’re a side that can really take it up to them.”

After missing out on the State League Finals for one of the few times in their existence last year, Southport seems to have reclaimed their throne as the Queensland benchmark.

Clarke believes their reversal of fortunes can be attributed to a better run with injuries and some great recruiting.

“They had a bad run with injuries last year, and have also recruited some good leg speed into their midfield,” he said.

“Everyone in their team is a weapon - they have a really strong list. Cleve Hughes is probably their biggest name forward, but they also have Josh Milani and Josh Baxter who have been kicking goals in recent times.”

“Down back the have Danny Wise, Wayde Mills, Ben Merrett…the list is a mile long. And that doesn’t even include their strong midfield!”

The Brisbane Lions Reserves will face Southport at 1:30pm this Saturday 23 June at Southport Oval.