After claiming last year’s NEAFL premiership, the Lions remain the benchmark of the State League competition, with just one loss from their 12 matches in 2013.
But that one loss came at the hands of Gold Coast in their last meeting at Coorparoo just five weeks ago.
Reserves Coach Leigh Harding told lions.com.au that the 47-point defeat still stings his side and has made them even more determined to turn the tables this Saturday.
“No doubt (the loss hurt),” Harding said.
“The boys are ready to make amends for that (loss). Hopefully we bring our best effort.”
Fans can expect a vastly different looking Lions Reserves side to the one that featured against the SUNS back in Round 11.
“We only had 10-11 senior players available last time, but had 19 last week (against Sydney),” Harding said.
“We’ll have similar numbers I suppose this Saturday and will field a pretty strong team. But they’ll need to bring their best against Gold Coast, who have been in good form.”
Saturday will mark the fourth NEAFL meeting between the two sides this season, with the Lions still ahead in terms of the rivalry’s win/loss ledger, 2-1.
The first encounter between the two sides at Metricon Stadium was particularly fiery, with Patrick Wearden being king-hit by a SUNS opponent and suffering serious facial injuries which kept him sidelined for two months.
Callum Bartlett also copped a fractured cheekbone which forced him to miss a number of matches.
“It will be the first time Patty has played against them (since the incident), and maybe Cal as well,” Harding said.
“I’m not sure (whether it will make for a heated contest), but there’s certainly a good rivalry between both teams. It would be good if we could keep the wood over them.”
The Lions could also be bolstered by Stefan Martin, who was close to resuming with the Reserves in Sydney last Friday.
“Stef didn’t quite get through our final training session last week, so we decided that he shouldn’t fly to Sydney,” Harding said.
“He trained very well this week, and has assured me he’s ready to go.”
All Lions fans are encouraged to head down to Coorparoo at 12pm this Saturday afternoon to watch the Lions host the SUNS in the NEAFL, before heading to the Gabba at 4:40pm for QClash 6.
