The NEAFL version of AFL’s QClash will take place at Coorparoo on Saturday in what will be an important battle for the Gold Coast SUNS reserves.
Injuries have wreaked havoc on both clubs this year and if the SUNS are going to keep themselves in finals contention, they must beat the Lions who find themselves anchored to the bottom of the ladder.
The Lions and SUNS have met twice in 2015 with the SUNS winning both times – the first snapping a 22-match losing streak in the NEAFL back in Round 4.
A win for Gold Coast could elevate them to equal sixth if the UWS Giants beat Redland, while the Lions are only two points below Eastlake in last place.
The Lions have been bolstered by several academy guns, including Hunter Harrison medallist Ben Keays, fellow Under-18s All-Australian Eric Hipwood, plus AFL-listed Nick Roberston.
Greg Broughton returns to bolster Josh Fraser’s side after overcoming a knee injury, and mature-aged rookie Josh Glenn returns from the seniors after being left out of this weekend’ side.
Round 18 NEAFL Team
B: C. Cameron, D. Gorringe, S. Thynne
HB: L. Herbert, J. Hall, L. Ritchie
C: T. Jones, A. Raines, J. Garlett
HF: B. Scheer, T. Downie, E. Reeves
F: M. Spencer, P. Wright, W. Wolbers
R: Z. Smith, D. Stanley, J. Glenn
Interchange: D. Budarick, J. Joyce, T. Thynne, G. Broughton
Emergencies: C. Marsden, C. Filewood, S. Fahey
