An extended AFL squad spent the week on the road to comply with Government Covid protocols, so Hahn took the opportunity to tap into the next generation of talent in a bid to prepare one of the youngest VFL sides in the competition for a showdown with premiership favourites The Sharks.

It was a win-win with Academy players gaining valuable experience training with AFL listed players, while Hahn benefited from an injection of youthful enthusiasm and greater numbers on the track.   

“We spent a lot of time just trying to focus on the process which for us is continual improvement, every session is an opportunity to get better,” Hahn said.

“Pleasingly we were able to bring in our Academy players, so all of a sudden instead of having 9 or 10 players at training, we had 24 and they’re 24 hungry players.”

“The Academy guys inject a lot of enthusiasm and energy into the group because they want to make that AFL list. We’ve got guys diving for smothers and going in hard and that really forces our guys to jump on board and flow on from that.”

Much like their senior counterparts, the Brisbane-bound squad members have also been subject to strict COVID protocols, albeit at the reward of reuniting as a full squad yesterday ahead of their second meeting with Southport on Sunday. 

The camaraderie among the players was evident during that first session with the two squads reunited.

“It was great to get the two halves back together yesterday. The session was energetic and the guys were enthusiastic to get back to work as a full squad,” Hahn said.

“It was great for them to see their mates that they hadn’t seen in a little while. They got the chance to reconnect and train alongside those guys and see that standard again ahead of the game this weekend.”

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

The Lions will head to Fankhauser Reserve armed with experience this weekend as they face a dominant Southport side in their second meeting this season.

Rhys Mathieson will pull on the guernsey for the Lions come Sunday. In just four VFL appearances this season, Mathieson has already averaged 31 disposals a game and is set to produce another prolific performance this weekend against a tough opponent.

Veteran Ryan Lester will also bring experience and a bigger body against the hardened Sharks.  

Jaxon Prior will have his sights set on cementing his spot in Senior Coach Chris Fagan’s side after missing out on selection against St Kilda when he returns to the VFL side this weekend. Prior has played 13 games this season and although looking comfortable on the wing, was the unlucky soldier who made way for Jarrod Berry last week.

The Lions’ bid to improve on their last performance against Southport will be further bolstered by experience in Connor Ballenden, Tom Fullarton and Connor McFadyen.

While midfielder Ely Smith will be looking to build back into his previous form as he returns from injury this weekend.

STARTING LINE UP

Fans are encouraged to head to the game in a COVID safe manner. Mask wearing is encouraged at all times. We ask that people maintain 1.5m distance at all times and check in using the club facilities. There is no interaction with players at any time, and no access to field of play until the completion of the match and players have left the field, including quarter breaks.

Catch the game on Kayo Freebies with first bounce at 12:05pm.

Southport v Brisbane
Sunday 11 July
Bounce: 12:05PM
Fankhauser Reserve, QLD

Full match day info and Kayo stream here