Sunday’s opening round JLT Community Series match will mark the coaching debut of Senior Coach Chris Fagan, with Brisbane also set to showcase their draft and trade targets.
Fagan will have an immediate introduction to senior ranks with a cross-state match-up against the Gold Coast Suns at Kombumerri Oval, Broadbeach.
One of those on show is last year's top pick and No.3 overall, Hugh McCluggage, who is set to make his debut in Lions colours.
McCluggage’s silky skills and class have been on show during INC pre-season training period, and the 18-year-old Victorian is likely to be rewarded with his first senior opportunity on Sunday.
Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy product Jacob Allison has also been named in the 29-man squad.
Former GWS midfielder Jake Barrett (rookie draft) and Collingwood defender Jack Frost (trade) are also likely to make their debut for the Lions.
Barrett was excellent in a mix of midfield and half-forward roles in Brisbane’s intra-club match last Friday, kicking two goals and getting plenty of the ball across the four quarters.
At 195cm, Frost will slot straight into the Lions’ backline, which was depleted last year after the retirements of Daniel Merrett and Justin Clarke.
The match will also see the Club unveil the 2017 Bears-inspired Clash Guernsey on-field for the first time.
The Lions’ squad will be trimmed to 26 on Sunday.
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The Squad:
1. Ben Keays
4. Ryan Bastinac
5. Mitch Robinson
6. Hugh McCluggage
8. Rohan Bewick
10. Daniel Rich
12. Stefan Martin
14. Josh Walker
15. Dayne Zorko
16. Jarrad Jansen
17. Claye Beams
18. Nick Robertson
23. Josh Schache
24. Liam Dawson
26. Tom Cutler
27. Darcy Gardiner
28. Lewis Taylor
31. Harris Andrews
32. Sam Mayes
33. Michael Close
34. Jonathan Freeman
35. Ryan Lester
36. Rhys Mathieson
37. Jacob Allison
38. Tom Rockliff
40. Matt Hammelmann (Rookie)
43. Jake Barrett (Rookie)
44. Archie Smith
45. Jack Frost
Match info:
Sunday, February 19
3:40pm local time
Kombumerri Park at Mermaid Waters
“Home of the Broadbeach Cats AFC”
