Ely Smith has put his name forward for a senior call-up with a starring performance in the reserves’ scratch match against Aspley on Saturday.

The Lions snatched a one-point victory with a goal just before the final siren to Tom Berry.

Marcus Adams, Connor Ballenden and Jaxon Prior were other standouts in the 9.12 (66) to 10.5 (65) victory which also saw a return to action for defender Noah Answerth after battling with a groin injury since last season.

Smith booted three goals and gathered 14 disposals in a half before taking an early shower to head to the Gabba where he was an emergency for the AFL side.

The 20-year-old was a standout over the pre-season with his improved fitness and appeared in the A squad during intra club matches and was also in the senior side for the first scratch match against the Gold Coast.

Smith missed selection for Rd 1 but Lions VFL coach Mitch Hahn said he took a terrific attitude into the reserves match and was doing everything he possibly could to force his way into the AFL side.

“He was fantastic, he got plenty of the footy and was very dangerous in the forward half, kicking thee goals, it was a really strong contribution from Ely,’’ he said.

Hahn said Adams had also given the match committee plenty to think about with his performance.

“He played very well Marcus, he defended strongly was very physical and he also showed great leadership which is what we want from players with senior experience,’’ he said.

Prior was used on the wing where he was able to find a lot of the footy and showcase his ball use.

He finished the game with 21 disposals while Deven Robertson was the major ball winner for the Lions with 25 disposals.