Can the Lions test the undefeated Port?
Port, the only undefeated team in the SGL, will face an increasingly confident Lions outfit this Saturday at the Memorial Oval.
At the last meeting Port were never headed and ran out easy winners. Port coach Donny DePalma successfully engineered a plan to restrict key Lions playmakers.
Lions again will be tested thoroughly by the talented and well-drilled Port combination.
Recent form, however, would indicate that the Lions are better prepared to challenge the competition leaders this time round.
Port has clearly the best performing defence in the league by almost 200 points.
They can boast of a defence full of experience and committed players. Ben Luteria is having a great season, while the ever-reliable Nathan Lynch and Matt Cox supported by the impressive Chris Stevens are a formidable combination.
To this add Jack Clarke in the key centre half back position and the veteran Jamie McNamara to complete an exceptional defence.
Lions’ forwards were completely covered at the last meeting and will need to improve greatly to provide a match winning score line.
Since then however Tate Bradley has regained form while Tyson Horsnell’s 8 goals against Sollies was indication of his undoubted talent.
The possible return of Daniel Seidel and Michael Pennington from injury would add further options in height and aggression to Lions forward structure.
Whatever the forward structure the Lions field, it will need to be at its best to challenge Port’s impressive combination.
Port has an array of talented forwards which provide a flexible forward set up which opposing sides have found difficult to contain for extended periods.
Simon Treloar was in a match winning form against West last match with 7 goals. His elusive skills and accurate left foot will be a handful for any of the Lion’s backmen delegated to contain him. Other danger forwards include Chad Parish, Jordan Coombe and Greg Phillips all of whom are capable of scoring multiple goals.
Add to this the skill and pace of both Norm Wombat and Andrew Waters when playing up forward. A formidable line up for the Lions backs to overcome.
Lions will rely on the experience of Marc Congdon, Brodie Lavis and Christian Wood and the youthful enthusiasm of Shaun Edwards, Cameron Pine and Michael Lagoudis to restrict the Port forwards. Tom Harmer’s form at fullback has been impressive and his role will be pivotal in repelling Port’s attacking sorties.
In most games control of the ruck contests are vital in determining the game’s outcome. The ruck duels between Port’s Michael Burford and the Lions duo of Jonathon Haynes and Brad Ley will be no exception.
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