The Lions Reserves will be raring to reverse their early season woes on Saturday afternoon when they come up against 2015 grand finalists the Aspley Hornets in an ANZAC round clash.
Aspley come into the game with two wins already under their belt against Gold Coast and Southport before going down to the NT Thunder last week.
The Lions are still yet to register their first win but will be bolstered by the return of Sam Mayes, Dan McStay and Rhys Mathieson to mark 15 AFL-listed players lining up for the Lions.
WHERE AND WHEN
50 Graham Road, Saturday, April 23, 2:00pm
LIVE: Watch the match live here
WARM RHYS-CEPTION FOR MATHIESON
After fracturing his cheekbone during the Lions’ preseason, prodigious draftee Rhys Mathieson is in line to make his return through the Reserves. The Lions’ 2’s will be grateful for the stability and support he will provide on the struggling half-forward flank and will look for him to be a presence in contests.
KICKING GOALS IN THE HORNETS’ NEST
The Lions have had trouble this year converting inside 50’s into goals. Matthew Hammelmann and Jaden McGrath have had the most success in front of the posts with four and three goals respectively however the Lions will need to look for others to step up when playing away at Aspley.
NO PAYNE NO GAIN
The Hornets will be without injured star rover Matthew Payne on Saturday who has been in scintillating form after his three games this season. The reigning Carl Herbert medallist (NEAFL Best and Fairest) injured his ankle last week and has averaged 30 disposals and one goal per game, so Aspley will be looking to their other senior players for inspiration.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Ben Keays. He was pick no. 24 in the 2015 AFL National Draft and the Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy product has been the standout performer in the young Lions Reserves side. Averaging 33 disposals per game this year, another strong week from Keays in the midfield would put him right in contention for a call-up to Justin Leppitsch’s senior side.
FORM
Brisbane (10th): LLL
Aspley (5th): WWL
LAST TIME THEY MET
Rd 7, 2015: Aspley Hornets 13.16 (94) d Brisbane Lions 9.6 (60) @ Graham Road, Carseldine
TEAM
| B | #43 Josh McGuinness | #39 Jackson Paine | #25 Daniel McStay |
| HB | #52 Soul Cormick | #40 Matthew Hammelmann | #32 Sam Mayes |
| C | #18 Nick Robertson | #1 Ben Keays | #47 Reuben William |
| HF | #36 Rhys Mathieson | #13 Trent West | #30 Eric Hipwood |
| F | #53 Sam Copland | #34 Jono Freeman | #57 Olly Ritchie |
| FOL | #44 Archie Smith | #16 Jarrad Jansen | #19 Josh Clayton |
| INT | #51 Brock Aston | #55 Harrison Hunkin | #56 Billy Lambert |
| #50 Will Fletcher |
AFL LISTED PLAYER CHANGES
IN: Sam Mayes, Dan McStay, Rhys Mathieson
OUT: Billy Evans
