The State bye weekend could not have come at a better time for the Brisbane Lions Reserves.
Friday 18 June 2010
The State bye weekend could not have come at a better time for the Brisbane Lions Reserves.
The young side went into the break with a 5-5 record after enduring a tough run with injury through the first half of the QAFL season.
“We had some things in place to give them (the players) a bit of relaxation on the weekend with no footy based activities because a lot of them are first years,” said coach Craig McRae.
“They needed the break, no doubt. It came at a good time for us. The first season takes it toll on first year players.”
McRae makes no bones about the fact that his No.1 priority with the team is development, although he quickly adds that winning is part of that.
The Lions will need to win four of their last eight games to be in the mix for fifth place and five of eight to make certain of September action.
They face a huge contract first-up out of the bye, hosting Southport at Giffin Park, Coorparoo on Saturday.
The season-ending injury to Callum Bartlett in their pre-bye win over Aspley will hurt, as will the long-term injury to unlucky youngster Mitch Golby.
Key ruckman Broc McCauley should be ready to return soon from groin soreness, but there won’t be too many more reinforcements.
It would seem that a 17-6 mix of listed players to top-ups or better has them most competitive, but anything less and the odds quickly swing the other way.
