Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast SUNS

South Pine Sports Complex

Sunday, April 22 at 12pm

SUMMARY

The 24th edition of the NEAFL ‘QClash’ will be an entertaining way to close out Round 3 of the NEAFL, with this match having the potential to go either way. The SUNS have started beautifully, winning their first two games, which is the first time they have done so since 2012. Their first game was a 20-point win against Aspley, which was set up by a good third quarter, and last week they were able to hold off the GIANTS to win by 21 points.

The Lions have started their premiership defence off well, although they lost to the NT Thunder in an absolute nail-biter in Round 1, going down by a point. Last week, the Lions opened the floodgates in the second-half of the Grand Final rematch against the Swans after an arm-wrestle first half to win by 50 points.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 20, 2017: Gold Coast 16.15 (111) d Brisbane 16.8 (104) at the Gabba.
Round 11, 2017: Brisbane 12.13 (85) d Gold Coast 11.14 (80) at SPSC.
Round 4, 2017: Brisbane 16.13 (109) d Gold Coast 9.10 (64) at Metricon Stadium.

TALKING POINTS

1. Less than a month ago the Gold Coast SUNS beat the Lions by 25 points in a practice match at the exact same ground. Although a practice match, Gold Coast will have the confidence that they can beat the reigning premiers, and the Lions will have areas they will be wanting to improve on from that loss.

2. Without Tom Nicholls in the ruck for the SUNS, due to injury, draftee Brayden Crossley is going to have a huge task ahead of him against the formidable Archie Smith and Oscar McInerney combination. Crossley did well last week winning 46 hit-outs, but this week will be a whole new challenge against two of the best ruckman in the competition.

3. The Gold Coast SUNS’ tackling has been immense in the first two rounds. The SUNS are ranked No.1 in the NEAFL for tackles, with an average of 83 tackles in the first two matches. This had to be a focus for the SUNS in the pre-season as they are also ranked No.1 for tackles in the AFL. The Lions, on the other hand, are ranked last for tackles in the NEAFL with an average of 43 in the first two matches.

ROOKIE WATCH

Broadbeach junior Connor Nutting has been impressive in his first two games of the year kicking four goals and being named in the best players last week. Drafted at pick 55 last year, the academy product has an exciting future ahead of him and will have an important role this week in making sure the SUNS kick a winning score against the reigning premiers.

STATS THAT MATTER

As per usual, the contested ball and clearances statistic will be critical. The SUNS are ranked No.1 in the competition in both areas this year so far, whereas the Lions are ranked fourth in contested possessions, and are ranked last in the competition for clearances.

TEAM

IN: 51. Corey Beaman, 27. Wil Powell, 13. Callum Ah Chee, 43. Max Spencer, 10. Kade Kolodjashnij, 33. Aaron Hall

OUT: 2. Jack Scrimshaw, 36. Josh Schoenfeld, 7. Jesse Lonergan, 52. Riley Buckland