Preview Lions lunch on pies

[pod17]

I’m also in the camp that isn’t against bringing McKenna back in some capacity this week, and most likely for Bruce (who would be stiff).

McKenna looks far fitter this year compared to 2024, yet can’t break in which is a testament to the strength of the side right now.

Still, I think he has something to offer (most likely as the sub again) given his creativity. Bruce has some nice kicking skills, but I’d argue McKenna gives us a little more based on his ability to hit very difficult targets/set up play. With the Pies being so well drilled, his inclusion might help to create one or two more opportunities that could be the difference in a close game.

 

[twhowler]

I’m also in the camp that isn’t against bringing McKenna back in some capacity this week, and most likely for Bruce (who would be stiff).

McKenna looks far fitter this year compared to 2024, yet can’t break in which is a testament to the strength of the side right now.

Still, I think he has something to offer (most likely as the sub again) given his creativity. Bruce has some nice kicking skills, but I’d argue McKenna gives us a little more based on his ability to hit very difficult targets/set up play. With the Pies being so well drilled, his inclusion might help to create one or two more opportunities that could be the difference in a close game.

I agree McKenna deserves a shot. If Lohman doesn't come up then McKenna deserves a go on the wing

BUT it would be hard to not play Bruce sub at least this week, after his last sub effort at the gabba...

 

[BrainOfMorbius]

I found McKenna's omission a few weeks ago a bit strange given there wasn't a reserves game to play that weekend. Turned out to be a master stroke given Bruce's performance off the bench but I wonder if there was a bit more to it

 

[Perrip]

Qscan Injury Report: Smith back for Easter football
Smith back, Lohmann 1 week, Kiddy 2-3 weeks, and Starc/Linc TBC

 

[MSB ROYS]

Lions to put some Smokey BBQ Sauce on those pies for extra enjoyment. Lions by 25 points.

 

[Nunez]

Keen for this. First time at the Gabba in over six years, only my third AFL game live since 2019. Looking forward to seeing what has changed at the Gabbatoir.

It's quite possible this Lions outfit could be the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.

 

[3KZ is Football]

It's quite possible this Lions outfit could be the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.

It is an interesting thought. I’d swap Lynch for Day and try and work Black, Voss, Brown, Akermanis and Lappin into the side.

That said, maybe it is a question of a Team of Champions v’s a Champion Team

If I was going to merge PREMIERSHIP SIDES I would go with this:

FB: Johnson, Leppitsch, White
HB: Zorko, Andrews, Starcevich
C: Akermanis, Voss, McCluggage
HF: Cameron, Brown, Power
FF: Bradshaw, Lynch, Rayner
FOL: McInerney, Black, Neale
INT: Dunkley, Lappin, Bailey, W. Ashcroft

SUB: Ah Chee

 

[Section 5]

De Goey to play

PLAYER	INJURY	ESTIMATED RETURN
Harvey Harrison	Knee	TBC
Dan Houston	Suspension	Round 7
Ash Johnson	Leg	5-7 weeks
Reef McInnes	Knee	Season
Tom Mitchell	Foot	TBC
Lachie Schultz	Hamstring	1-2 weeks
Updated: April 15, 2025

In the mix​

Jordan De Goey has proven his fitness ahead of the Easter Thursday blockbuster against Brisbane after missing the win over Sydney due to an Achilles issue. Harry Perryman has been cleared to face the Lions after hurting his ankle last Friday night. Charlie West is closing in a debut after being included in the 26-man squad for the first time. Mason Cox is also waiting for another opportunity after being an emergency for Gather Round. – Josh Gabelich

 

[Elixuh]

It is an interesting thought. I’d swap Lynch for Day and try and work Black, Voss, Brown, Akermanis and Lappin into the side.

That said, maybe it is a question of a Team of Champions v’s a Champion Team

If I was going to merge PREMIERSHIP SIDES I would go with this:

FB: Johnson, Leppitsch, White
HB: Zorko, Andrews, Starcevich
C: Akermanis, Voss, McCluggage
HF: Cameron, Brown, Power
FF: Bradshaw, Lynch, Rayner
FOL: McInerney, Black, Neale
INT: Dunkley, Lappin, Bailey, W. Ashcroft

SUB: Hart

No Lester? Interesting

 

[Section 5]

Will our players cope with the temperature Thursday evening.
Predicted 21.7 C (at 7pm down to 20 C (at 10.00pm)
Only our 2nd night game this year. The Cats being the other one.

 

[010203]

Thoughts and prayers with Collingwood who are playing their 2nd game in a row outside of Melbourne.

 

[3KZ is Football]

No Lester? Interesting

I did consider him for SUB.

 

[Nunez]

It is an interesting thought. I’d swap Lynch for Day and try and work Black, Voss, Brown, Akermanis and Lappin into the side.

That said, maybe it is a question of a Team of Champions v’s a Champion Team

If I was going to merge PREMIERSHIP SIDES I would go with this:

FB: Johnson, Leppitsch, White
HB: Zorko, Andrews, Starcevich
C: Akermanis, Voss, McCluggage
HF: Cameron, Brown, Power
FF: Bradshaw, Lynch, Rayner
FOL: McInerney, Black, Neale
INT: Dunkley, Lappin, Bailey, W. Ashcroft

SUB: Hart

Sorry friend I was making a Brett Hitman Hart reference.

 

[3KZ is Football]

Sorry friend I was making a Brett Hitman Hart reference.

Is he a wrestler?

 

[Nunez]

Is he a wrestler?

 

[3KZ is Football]

Sorry friend I was making a Brett Hitman Hart reference.

With your musical heritage, I would be happy for you to be making a Grant Hart reference.



Very easy to play. Has been covered by Robert Forster and 3KZ is Football.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

No matter what though , after last year it's well the finals count , just got to get wins on the way. But.
I feel this is going to be the downwood spiral for the old pies , no mercy , this game hopefully means something more than just a possible chance for another win for the team, we need to flog them into humiliation.

'... we need to flog them into humiliation.'
That's the spirit !

 

[Johnny Bananas]

Sorry friend I was making a Brett Hitman Hart reference.

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[domus]

Sorry for the late preview - Mods please move into the unofficial preview if that is better.

The season so far​

The top teams outside the Lions are GWS, Geelong and Hawks. Suns have played Eagles, Dees, Crows and North so they have not yet earned top team recognition.

Of those top teams we have played one (Geelong) and won and Pies have played one (GWS) and lost. Not conclusive, but worth noting.

Last week​

I watched the pies game on the weekend. Ugghhh. My eyes are healing from all the in-game attempts to poke my own eyers out so I didn’t have to keep watching.

Pies were a cany old team exploiting the narrow 125 m width ground to their advantage. There was little avenue for switches, play was forced down the corridor reducing the running load to suit the aged Pies. They closed down the corridor and across the back line causing poor entries that their defenders could manage.

We played on an even narrower 110 m wide ground. The dead straight sidelines looked odd and clearly created a problem for the first half. The half time break allowed a reset of tactics to counter the narrow ground, which the player’s executed brilliantly.

This week​

We meet on the Gabba’s 138 m width field, neutralizing the Pies strength and our struggles of last week. The width puts running power into focus and we are the better at using the full ground.

• Run and carry through the corridor – check.
• Switch and move fast – check.
• Find a pathway through – check.

We do it all.

On the injury front​

The Pies will likely get De Goey and Mitchell back. Two good ins. Our possible ins from injury are Lohman, all class, and Smith.

Ruck forward​

On Smith, I am not sure of the consensus here but personally, as serviceable as Day is, I’m keen to give Smith a chance. Or use Fort. Day was a serviceable role player at the Suns, but he hasn’t adapted to our game plan yet, and I believe that Smith and Fort are far enough ahead in that aspect for them to be an upgrade on field atm. Let Day learn in the reserves, then give him another chance if Smith has not dazzled.

Doedee​

Will Doedee get a run this week?? How??? Jasper has been magnificent across the half back and I want him to continue to explore this potential. Seems like a waste to put him back on the wing, and no other defender deserves to be dropped.

Flicking the switch​

When we are on, we are by far the best team in the competition. Our first four quarter game last year was AWESOME, and earnt a premiership. This year the mountain the team needs to climb is how to play four, or even three, quarters every week. Good luck Fagan, we are counting on you to find the platitude that works.

The outcome - Lions by 17​

First will be an arm wrestle, we will not let them break away. The second will be lead changes. The third will be a Lions burst and in the fourth Lions take control and the gap stays around 17 points.

I thought it would be a 150-point margin given that write up!

 

[domus]

Thoughts and prayers with Collingwood who are playing their 2nd game in a row outside of Melbourne.

Third in six rounds. A staggering 50% of interstate games. Yet those ridiculous myths persist. Do the other Victorian clubs play more interstate games than the Pies excluding those who ask for the honour like the Hawks, Roos and occasionally Melbourne?

 

[Dalions]

I am feeling that this one may not be too close.
I think we will either win by 4 or more goals in a Statement win or we will lose by 4 or more goals and Colling still have the wood on us.

 

[Dalions]

Third in six rounds. A staggering 50% of interstate games. Yet those ridiculous myths persist. Do the other Victorian clubs play more interstate games than the Pies excluding those who ask for the honour like the Hawks, Roos and occasionally Melbourne?

Must have a good run home hey?

 

[martinson]

I am feeling that this one may not be too close.
I think we will either win by 4 or more goals in a Statement win or we will lose by 4 or more goals and Colling still have the wood on us.

Dalions I rate you as the most insightful poster on this blog.

To say we will either win or lose this game is just going next level.

You've nailed it. And predicted the margin to boot.

 

[MSB ROYS]

Dalions I rate you as the most insightful poster on this blog.

To say we will either win or lose this game is just going next level.

You've nailed it.

[Don't mention the draw]

 

[martinson]

I'm really happy Collingwood is coming off a belter of a win with everyone now on the bandwagon.

I watched all the footy shows over the weekend thinking that we played in the best game of the round with a soul stirring comeback and some blindingly great footy and all they wanted to talk about was Melbourne , Hawthorn ,Dangerfield and the new guy in the Collingwood midfield.

We barely cracked a mention. Nothing whatsoever on Footy Classified but over 10 minutes on Melbourne ffs.

I suppose the only place to revel in our successes is on here.