Both Port and Lions will be looking to their young players to continue their great form of this season when they meet, with several players still eligible to play under 18 football make big impacts in A grade teams. An example is Lions’ Luke Paterson who kicked five goals on the weekend.
Port plays Lions in what should be a tough battle on Sunday at Memorial Oval, with both sides having something to play for.
The Bulldogs will be trying to stay within touch of South and Sollies, giving itself a chance for a top two spot .
A win would allow Lions to take fourth spot on the ladder.
In recent weeks Lions has had three good wins against Sollies, West and Central.
Port on the other hand, after defeating West and Central, fell over in the final quarter against South last week.
Both teams will be hoping that they get key players back this week – Lions with Austin Monfries, who can play in any key position, while Port will welcome back captain Ben Luitera and Zac Hutchison.
The Bulldogs will be without Aaron Fetherstonhaugh with work commitments.
Also out injured is Tim Byerlee and Nelson Magor, who was injured in last week’s match – both had been playing well for Port.
Lions could still be missing Chris Marsland with a hamstring injury.
Both teams have good under 18 players in their league teams.
Lions’ Luke Paterson kicked five goals last week and Jordan Fuller has got loads of talent and is dangerous around goal, while Tyler Eckert has been playing well in defence.
Port has Sam Clarke and Isaiah Connor, who also know where the goals are, and have been playing good football, along with Jake Bullen.
Lions has been playing a good team game in recent weeks and Clinton O’Connor gives his team plenty of spark on a wing and the Bulldogs will have to ensure that he is not let run free.
Last time these sides played Monfries played at full back but Tom Harmer played well in the full back position last week.
Should they play in the key back positions they will come up against Tom Underwood and Brodie Mudge.
Michael Burford will have to do the majority of the ruck work this week against Lions Lachlan Pole and Nick Amato but he will receive good support form Seb Koblar who has had a good season in defence for Port.
Lions Brad Ley has been playing well at centre half forward and his battle with Chad Tobin should be a beauty.
Greg Phillips has been the Bulldogs’ shining light up forward kicking 44 goals this season and no doubt the Lions coaching staff will have him played close all day.
Lions has danger players in Reggie Taylor and Dean Steele, who have the ability to win a game from their own boot, while Port has Terry Hall and Jayden Corrieri, who only know one thing and that is to go flat out for the ball.
There is sure to be good match ups all across the ground and both sides have many young players that will be out to show that they have the ability to play finals’ football for their respective teams.
Port players would still be reeling from their defeat last week while Lions will be still on a high from three recent wins.
There are only six games to go so both teams will be giving their all to show that they are worthy finals’ contenders.
