The Brisbane Lions will return to Burpengary for the first time in almost three months this Saturday morning when the Reserves side hosts an all-Queensland NEAFL affair against the Gold Coast SUNS.

Both the Lions’ senior and reserves sides suffered losses on their last visit to the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex during their first ever pre-season ‘Festival of Footy’ back in March.

This time around, however, NEAFL premiership points will be up for grabs.

The Lions, who have won the past two NEAFL premierships, and the SUNS are yet to set the world on fire in the State League season in 2014, and currently sit 9th and 14th respectively on the NEAFL ladder.

In fact, the SUNS remain winless after eight matches and are fresh from a 191-point belting at the hands of UWS Giants last week, while the Lions are coming off a Bye.

A win will be critical for the Lions if they’re to keep their NEAFL Finals dreams alive.

The Lions currently sit three wins and a considerable percentage outside the top six, but could make up significant ground with upcoming matches against fellow Finals fancies UWS Giants (twice), Aspley, and Redland in the coming weeks.

The Lions Reserves will also benefit from the return of some important listed players.

Already the likes of Jordan Lisle, Ryan Lester, Michael Close, Tom Cutler, Nick Robertson, and Andrew Raines have been omitted from the senior side, while 2003 premiership player Ash McGrath is expected back from a calf injury next week.

Fans are encouraged to head to Burpengary at 11am this Saturday to watch the Lions Reserves, before heading back to Brisbane in time for the senior match against Carlton at the Gabba, which is scheduled to start at 4:40pm.