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A Gold Coast win in this week's QClash will be a win for both clubs

Roar Pro
3rd August, 2015
23

This weekend sees the Suns travel up the M1 to take on the Lions in QClash10.

A loss for the Lions is likely to consign them to this year’s wooden spoon, although there are plenty of positives for the Lions should they finish bottom of the ladder.

The most obvious is first pick in the national draft, and for the Lions that first choice should be Josh Schache.

The standout key position prospect is battling with his young Victorian teammate Jacob Weitering (a key position defender) to be the number one pick. A talented key position forward is what all clubs want, and it’s hard to see the Lions passing up on Schache should they get first pick.

There are a number of other clubs on the re-build – whether they have started, like the Demons, Saints and Bulldogs, or whether they are now realising they need to start such as Carlton and Essendon.

When you compare Brisbane’s list to these teams, there is one glaring difference (with the exception of Carlton): all these sides already have a potential gun forward on their books.

Jesse Hogan, Paddy McCartin, Tom Boyd, Joe Daniher and Tom Lynch all have the ability to develop into key forwards for their respective clubs. The Lions at present have Michael Close, Daniel McStay and Jono Freeman, and with all due respect, none of them are top-five draft picks.

A young gun forward is good to have for the long term, but you do not want to just throw your rookie forward to the wolves, playing week-in, week-out on the AFL’s best defenders. Nor do you want him learning his craft in the NEAFL, where at present the Lions have trouble getting enough players on the field, let alone providing quality delivery to a young forward.

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So in addition to snaring the prized number one draft pick, the Lions also gain access to the first pick in the pre-season draft, where they have the option of gaining the services of Charlie Dixon.

While injuries have plagued Dixon, he would provide a mature body and protection for the young developing key position players. If the Lions are keen to sure up both ends they should consider using their number one pick to provide Mitch Brown another lifeline and trade Matthew Leuenberger to the Suns for Dixon.

Reports are also linking James Aish with a move away from the club, and again this provides the Lions with the perfect opportunity to fill holes in their list.

Could the Hawks pull off another recruiting coup by trading Matthew Suckling to the Lions for Aish, or would the Lions try to go after Jake Carlisle with the promise of a permanent spot in defence?

The options are plentiful for the Lions to turn defeat this weekend into a major push up the ladder.

As for the Suns, they have endured the year from hell and with a list already packed with talent (albeit not great depth) they need to finish the year on a high to provide some momentum heading into next season.

With a fit list and another first round draft pick courtesy of their lowly finish this year, they loom as early favourites for most improved team of 2016 – especially after their effort against the Eagles last weekend.

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A win for the Suns would continue their recent good form and provide a springboard for a solid pre-season under a new fitness coach and a year under Rodney Eade’s tuition already under their belts.

AFL in Queensland needs two competitive, successful sides. A win for the Suns this weekend should go a long way to providing this.

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