The Brisbane Lions host the St Kilda Saints for their first competitive run of 2015 at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex just north of Brisbane. Join The Roar for live scores of the 2015 NAB Challenge from 3:10pm (AEDT).
Recent seasons have been underwhelming for the Lions, and after a disappointing start to 2014, their situation was bordering on miserable.
But from Round 11, things started to turn around in Brisbane, as they almost broke even in the back end of the season finishing their last 13 games with a 6-7 record, taking the impressive scalp of North Melbourne along the way.
Then the offseason arrived and the Lions carried their sniff of momentum to the trading table, emerging with what could prove to be the most exciting young squad of 2015.
Dayne Beams, Allen Christensen, Mitch Robinson. The Lions are a new look side in 2015 and fans have reason to be excited.
Adding to the shining lights of Tom Rockliff, Lewis Taylor and Pearce Hanley from last season, Beams, Christensen and Robinson, along with the returning Daniel Rich and Claye Beams, see the Lions’ team sheet appear far more formidable than it did 12 months ago.
How will these players gel though? If it is seamless, a tilt at the top eight won’t be out of the question.
Dayne Beams will be playing, so Lions fans will get an instant idea of the impact he can have this season.
Their opponents for this match scratched together just the four wins in 2014, finishing with the wooden spoon by percentage to the Demons. Realistically, their expectations for 2015 should be low – it’s about getting games into their potential future stars and ensuring that their ageing stars can leave the next generation well prepared.
So for the Saints, there is no better time to start getting some games and confidence into the younger player than the NAB Challenge.
The most intriguing performance to watch will be No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin. Saints fans need a reason to get excited this season, and hopefully he’ll be able to provide a lure for fans.
>> Check out Rosey’s 2015 AFL preview for the St Kilda Saints
Unfortunately this game will not be broadcast, so fans won’t get to see first hand how their side performs first up in 2015. However, you can listen via the AFL Live radio service.
With no national broadcast and only a small capacity in Moreton Bay, the pressure will be off as the Lions and Saints run out on Saturday. But with wins few and far between for both sides in recent years, neither side will be happy to walk away with a loss.
Join The Roar for live scores from 3:10pm (AEDT). If you are following the action live, or witnessing it live at Moreton Bay, please share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
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