Vice-Captain Harris Andrews will return for the Lions this weekend as they prepare to play their first game in Ballarat. Joining him in lining up against the Western Bulldogs s speedster Zac Bailey, who makes his return to the AFL team after overcoming a hamstring injury earlier in the season.
Andrews has had two weeks on the sidelines after also suffering a hamstring injury in the team’s Round 5 loss to Collingwood.
Bailey was injured in the Lions’ Round 3 win over Port Adelaide. Before making his return to senior level, he played for the Club’s NEAFL side in their eleven-goal victory over the Sydney Swans last weekend. That afternoon the 19-year-old had 22 disposals and three tackles.
Senior Coach Chris Fagan told media earlier this morning that Andrews had trained well this week.
“He’s our Vice-Captain and a very, very good player and amongst the best three or four tall defenders in the competition,” he said.
“If he’s fit and ready to go and the medical guys tick him off then we’ll select him.”
Fagan said the team were looking forward to playing in Ballarat for the first time, despite the concern for unpredictable weather.
“My understanding is that it rains in Ballarat and can get a little bit windy, so they’ll be challenges,” he said.
“Hopefully there’s a lot of Lions there as well that turn up and make the noise.
“The ground looks like it’s in fantastic condition, surface wise, and all the other facilities are first class, so we’re really looking forward to the opportunity to go there and play.”
Saturday afternoon’s game will also mark Jarryd Lyons’ 100th AFL match, having previously played for the Adelaide Crows and Gold Coast Suns before joining the Lions.
Josh Walker and Lewis Taylor were omitted from the team this week.
IN: Harris Andrews, Zac Bailey
OUT: Lewis Taylor (Omitted), Josh Walker (Omitted)
Milestone: Jarryd Lyons (100th AFL Match)
