The Gold Coast SUNS will be ready to battle the Lions this weekend according to Sunday’s match day coach, Dean Solomon.

The playing group are expecting to encounter a more-spirited Lions team when the two sides meet in Townsville, after the Lions disappointing start to the pre-season under new coach Justin Leppitish.

Falling victim to a 131-point hammering at the hands of 2013 Premiers Hawthorn, the Lions will be out to win back some much-needed respect. 

Speaking to reporters after leading the senior squad through their main training session, Solomon said he expected Leppitish’s chargers to make a stand in front of the GC SUNS’ passionate North Queensland fans. 

“I don’t know Leppa personally, but from what I’m told he’s a competitive person and no doubt the Lions will be looking to rebound and play well,” he said.

On Thursday, Lion’s head of coaching and development Peter Schwab confirmed the challengers would make at least ten changes to their starting line-up. 

"The next two games are critically important for us to get our best possible team on the paddock to get our game plan flowing from there," Schwab said.
 
"It's a big learning experience and we can't expect it to happen straight away, but we've got to hold our line and we've got to make sure we persevere and persevere and the results will come." 

As signalled by Guy McKenna in his post-match media conference on Monday, skipper Gary Ablett, Michael Rischitelli, Jaeger O’Meara and David Swallow will all be rested this weekend in a bid to manage their 2014 preparations. 

Regardless, Solomon believed the Gold Coast would have the personnel to win their second and final NAB Challenge match for 2014. 

“Gaz will have a rest as will Michael Rischitelli at this stage, and potentially Jaeger and David depending on our match committee pans out.”

“But we have found they have done enough work so far so we’ll hold them back and keep them for Collingwood.”