Lions struggled in their first game of the season and were soundly beaten by 72 points by Port.

Coach Adrian Davies would have been working hard over the past fortnight to ensure his players put in a much better effort this week. The possible inclusion of star recruit, Elijah Ware, after he missed the first game due to the birth of his first child, will give the Lions a much more impressive lineup.

Solomontown coach, Bob Boston was pleased with his young sides first up effort against the Bulldogs, in what were shocking conditions for football.

The Cats were missing Craig Tee through injury and his inclusion will give the young players an opportunity to get first use of the ball. Marc Scollin, Jarrad Davies, James Moyse and Richard Cable have started the season in good form and will need to continue with that against the Lions. Full forward Brendan Nicklaus showed he will be an asset to the team after taking several strong marks in his first outing for the Cats.

Lions will be relying a lot on key forwards Tom Harmer and Tyson Horsnell to kick a winning score and they will need Chuck Sawyer to be a focal point at Centre Half Forward.

The side has a lot of quick running players and their game plan will revolve around quick ball movement by hand or foot. This style of play requires very good skills and this was a weak point for Lions last season.

The players and coach would have been working hard during the pre-season to improve this part of their game.

Both these teams appear to be very evenly matched and which ever side best handles the conditions under lights will get their first points for 2009.

SGL

Round 3 Friday, May 1, Pt Pirie

Sollies v Lions Seconds 6pm

League 8pm

Saturday, May 2, Pt Pirie

Sollies v Lions Thirds 10.30am

Saturday, May 2, Pt Augusta

South v Central

Bye West & Port

PHOTO: FIT...Michael Wright has put in a solid pre-season and is in good shape for tomorrow night’s clash between Sollies and Lions.