AFL 2020: Mitch Robinson says Brisbane Lions have the depth to cover injured and suspended players
Brisbane came out of last Sunday’s win over Melbourne worse for wear but Lions enforcer Mitch Robinson is confident suspension and injuries won’t halt the Lions’ momentum.
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Milestone man Mitch Robinson says the Brisbane Lions have the depth to deal with a host of absentees during the crucial condensed period of the AFL season.
Having last week lost ruckman Stefan Martin to a back injury for the best part of two months, the Lions will be without another four players for Friday night’s battle with Essendon at Metricon Stadium.
Defenders Daniel Rich (hamstring) and Ryan Lester (hamstring), ruckman Archie Smith (ankle) and forward Daniel McStay (suspended) are all casualties from Brisbane’s four-point weekend win over Melbourne.
Smith is facing the longest period on the sideline, with the former basketballer in a moon boot and set to miss up to six matches.
The banned McStay is out of Friday’s match and the Lions’ clash with Richmond next Tuesday night.
Rich and Lester are also expected to miss those two games, although one or both could return for Brisbane’s match against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday week.
Despite the growing list of unavailable players Robinson – who plays his 200th AFL match and 100th for the Lions on Friday – was adamant second-placed Brisbane could cope.
“We pride ourselves on the depth we have at the club,” Robinson said.
“This season’s about adapting. The people that will come in know their role, and they’ll play it.
“They don’t have to do anything special, just play their role like the other guys were doing and we’ll go from there.”
Those in contention to receive a call-up include fit-again midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen, defenders Noah Answerth and Alex Witherden, and the versatile Sam Skinner.
“(Skinner) really impressed in the pre-season before he hurt his ankle,” said 31-year-old Robinson, who has fought back from being delisted by Carlton in after the 2014 season to become a key factor in the Lions’ premiership push.
“Obviously the Blues gave me my shot at AFL and that didn’t go as planned but (Lions CEO) Greg Swann and the Brisbane footy club gave me my lifeline and I owe a lot to them for that.
“Hopefully we can get to the finals again and I can try to repay them some faith that they showed in me.
“It’s been a journey but my body and mind feel very fit and good at the moment so we’ll see how we go.”
Robinson said he had matured on and off the field since his arrival in Brisbane in 2015.
“A lot’s changed since I was a 24-year-old at the Carlton footy club” he said.
“It’s just maturity, understanding when it gets taken away from you that you don’t always get that second chance, and when you do get that chance to take it with both hands.”
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