“We’re not too sure where we can get them but the midfield and stoppages will definitely play an important part,” Lovell told goldcoastfc.com.au on Monday.
“We think we have some terrific old players in the midfield and certainly have some younger midfielders developing around there too.”
“Midfielders give you first crack so it’s an area we’ll be looking at doing well in.”
After creating chaos amongst the Gold Coast’s back-six following in his five-goal master class in the wet and wild Round 3 contest at Metricon Stadium, Lovell said centre half-back Rory Thompson would be out to thwart any plans reigning Marcus Ashcroft Medallist Jonathon Brown might have for an encore performance.
“He was the difference between the two sides last time we met,” said Lovell.
“He was in vintage form and is a champion of the game which we all acknowledge… I think in the end he probably beat Rory on the day, and while Matty Warnock did a pretty good job as well, the damage had already been done.”
Lovell said the only way to limit the two-time All Australian from having any influence on the scoreboard was to stop him from getting his hands on the football.
“There’s no doubt we have to stop the supply of forward entries, he got quality supply that night (Round 3).”
However Lovell conceded the buck wouldn’t stop with just Thompson though, suggesting it may have to be an entire team effort on the 195cm key forward this Saturday.
“We have to help our defenders out, whether it’s Rory Thompson or Matthew Warnock should he get the call-up, we have to make it hard for Brown by putting pressure on their midfielders and their overlapping defenders who like to run and carry.”
But with Brisbane having won four of the last five QCLASH matches, Lovell said the Gold Coasters could not rely on their better win-loss record of 5-7 to get them over the line against the inconsistent Lions.
We have enormous respect for them and will undoubtedly be playing this game really hard,” said Lovell.
“They had a terrific come from behind win against Geelong so we know we have to play well, and hopefully if we can play the right style of footy then we give ourselves a chance against Brisbane.”
