The Brisbane Lions look set to break with tradition and go head-to-head with Gold Coast SUNS star Gary Ablett in the midfield on Saturday.
Chief stopper Andrew Raines has had the run-with role on Ablett in previous QClashes and has managed to nullify the GC SUNS champion to a certain extent, but Lions full-back Daniel Merrett has hinted his side will back its midfielders to take him on at Metricon Stadium.
According to Merrett, Brisbane’s primary ball-winner, Tom Rockliff, could find himself rubbing shoulders with the game’s best player when he returns from suspension this Saturday.
“I’m sure someone in the midfield will have that match-up, although it won’t be tagging or anything,” Merrett said.
“It could be (Tom) Rockliff. That’s what you want to do as footy players, put yourself up against the best. The challenge is there for the midfield.”
Ablett has shown no sign of slowing down following his sensational 2013 Brownlow Medal-winning season.
With the support of his young midfield partners, he proved the difference in the SUNS’ round one win against Richmond, picking up 41 touches, two goals and more than likely the three ‘Charlie’ votes on offer.
By his own lofty standards Ablett was fairly quiet in his team’s clash with Fremantle in the west, but he still managed to shake off Ryan Crowley’s tag at times in the wet to finish with 24 disposals, six tackles and eight clearances.
While Ablett will deservedly walk into Metricon Stadium with the bigger wraps than his potential opponent, Rockliff has shown an ability on occasion to match the AFL’s best midfielders at stoppages.
When the Lions faced off against Hawthorn in round one, Rockliff held dual premiership-winner Sam Mitchell to just 21 touches, while collecting 19 disposals of his own.
While Merrett concedes the potential match-up is be a mountainous assignment for any elite AFL player, the Lions stalwart is confident his teammate is up for the challenge.
“It will be good to have Tommy Rockliff back. He’s our match-winner and is our Gary Ablett,” Merrett said.
