Like their senior counterparts, the Lions Reserves had a scheduled Bye last weekend and have benefited from their short break.
“Burts (Physical Performance Manager Brett Burton) was very happy with the way the guys presented after their break,” Clarke said.
“They’re all feeling nice and refreshed. From a Reserves point of view, it probably means we have an extra couple of blokes to choose from which will help our depth.”
Among the possible inclusions for the Lions Reserves this Saturday are Josh Drummond and Xavier Clarke who are close to completing their rehabilitation and set to gain valuable match practice.
“Drummond is likely to play this week against Southport,” Clarke said.
“X (Xavier Clarke) is probably a 50/50 proposition at the moment. If he doesn’t get up for this week, he’ll definitely play next week.”
“Having guys with that level of AFL experience and talent in our side lifts the whole playing group. They’re outstanding players and will bring a new level of confidence to their younger team-mates.”
However, the Reserves are almost certain to be without one of their regular performers this week considering a position has been made available in the senior team following Ryan Lester’s foot injury.
Clarke said there were a number of young Lions players who could legitimately make the most of such an opportunity.
“There are a handful of players who are in the mix for a spot in the senior side,” Clarke said.
“James Hawksley had a big game against Labrador and has been in reasonable nick. So too has Matt Austin, but he’s still probably a couple of weeks away from hitting his peak.”
“Tom Collier has been performing well in the Reserves and really looks to be above that level. He also adds that versatility given he’s 192cm and can play pretty much everywhere.”
“Bryce Retzlaff has been regularly contributing on the scorebaord while Niall McKeever has also shown he can now play in a number of different positions.”
The Lions Reserves will approach Saturday’s match against Southport with confidence but remain aware of the Sharks’ obvious wealth of talent.
“They have lots of talent,” Clarke said.
“There are plenty of good genuine State League footballers at Southport. Our challenge will be trying to nullify their experience and general footy smarts.”
“Cleve Hughes is one of the best forwards in the competition and they have a plethora of good onballers including Matt Payne and Danny Wise who are both Grogan Medallists.”
In the Lions’ favour will be a return to the Club’s summer training facility of Giffin Park in Coorparoo for the team’s first ‘home’ match of the season.
“Playing at Coorparoo should give us a good home ground advantage,” he said.
“There is a pretty tricky cross breeze, so the weather conditions are never perfect.”
“But it’s a great surface and one that our boys should be familiar with.”
