Roar Guru
We’ve made it to Round 4 and we’re starting off with a Thursday night battle at the Gabba when the Brisbane Lions host the Richmond Tigers. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:50pm (AEST).
For both clubs, the early part of this season hasn’t gone to plan. Tonight is a chance to get an important win on the board and get the season back on track.
For Brisbane Lions, it’s been a horrendous start to the year. The danger signs were there in the aftermath of last season, when a mass exodus of players left the Lions leaving an inexperienced list for this year.
And to add to their woes, the Lions have been decimated by injuries. Daniel Rich is out for the season. Brent Staker hasn’t made a game yet this season – neither has Ash McGrath or Claye Beams. And now ruckman Matthew Leuenberger is injured and is looking at a long stint on the sidelines.
The form so far this season has been far from impressive. Beaten in all four games so far this season, with last week’s 113-point defeat to Port Adelaide the biggest loss any side has faced yet in 2014.
While the Lions have been through hard times, they have the advantage this time round being at their home, the Gabba.
They’ll be determined to put in a strong showing for forward Jonathan Brown, who will be playing his 250th game.
The last player still at the club from their premiership three-peat, Brown has been a tireless worker for the club; and the Lions will want to put in a good game to honour one of their all-time greats.
Former Richmond player Luke McGuane will make his first appearance in Lions colours tonight, while draft selection Darcy Gardiner will make his AFL debut.
It hasn’t been much better for Richmond. They did manage one win, against Carlton in Round 2. But losses to Gold Coast, the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood see the Tigers languishing well outside the top eight and desperate for a win to build some momentum for the season.
The Tigers have also had injury worries this season. Brett Deledio remains on the sidelines, while the likes of Ivan Maric, Todd Banfield and Chris Knights are yet to step on the field in 2014.
Ricky Petterd returns to the Richmond lineup tonight, looking to spark a team into action who have been well short of their best.
Even with both teams having injury woes and struggling for form, there’s still plenty of quality players on the paddock.
For the Lions, Tom Rockliff will be pivotal. A suspension set him back early in the season, but even in a well beaten side last week, his class was there to see as he picked up a stack of possession.
Former Cat Trent West has done well in his new colours, but will need to step up a gear in Leuenberger’s absence and become the number one ruck option.
For Brisbane’s sake, milestone man Jonathan Brown will also need a big game. This may be his last season, but he still has some more heroics left in him.
Richmond’s Trent Cotchin is a ball magnet, and is sure to get heaps of the ball; the Lions will have work to do to keep him quiet.
Dustin Martin is showing signs of his enormous potential and will be keen to step up another level this week.
In the forward line, Jack Riewoldt has struggled for form after being the leading goalkicker last season. But he’s too good of a player to be down for too long. Is tonight the time he returns to his best form?
For the winner, four valuable competition points are up for grabs, as well as the chance to build some momentum and get their season back on track.
But for the loser, especially if it’s a heavy loss, the repercussions are too awful to contemplate. Possibly a coach under pressure and certainly their finals prospects will already be looking bleak.
Join us tonight from 7:30pm (AEST) as we bring you the action as it happens. Leave your thoughts and comments below as the match unfolds and we get the Easter weekend under way with an important game of footy.