The Brisbane Lions will be trying to return to the winner’s circle this week after suffering their first loss last weekend against the Box Hill Hawks.
The Lions will face the Sydney Swans at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday as they look to improve on their nine wins so far in 2023.
After losing their first game for the year, Lions VFL Coach Ben Hudson will be looking for a strong response against the Swans.
“It was a tough game last week, we were a little off defensively and it allowed Box Hill to control the game,” he said.
“This weekend presents us with another opportunity to go out and play our own brand of football and to come away with a win.
“The Swans will be a challenge, they are fresh off a win against Sandringham and they’ll be full of confidence.
“We get the opportunity to come back home and if we bring good energy, it’ll go a long way to continuing our good run of form at our home ground.”
Players to watch
Noah Answerth
Made his return from a concussion last week against Box Hill, Answerth has been a reliable contributor for the Lions thus far.
Playing through the midfield and off half-back, Answerth averaged 22.7 disposals across his seven games.
His ability to play in multiple positions is an asset to the Lions line-up.
Blake Coleman
As a creative forward, Coleman has been a consistent goal kicker for the Lions.
Coleman’s ball use was on display against Box Hill as he collected 17 disposals and kept the Lions in the contest throughout the four quarters.
Averaging just over a goal per game, Coleman’s prowess in front of goal is an exciting prospect for the Lions.
Last time we met
A trip to the SCG in 2022 was the last meeting between the Lions and Swans at VFL level.
The Lions ran out 59-point winners that day, kicking six goals in the last quarter to seal the victory.
Deven Robertson was outstanding collecting 24 touches and kicking two goals, while midfield partner Rhys Mathieson kicked one major to go with his 31 possessions.
One of the first sightings of Will Ashcroft for Lions fans was a good one, as he amassed 24 disposals and nine tackles.
Blake Coleman and Nakia Cockatoo both kicked three goals for the contest.
