Brisbane AFLX coach Ben Hudson says the club is ready to make a statement
BRISBANE will be led by veteran Daniel Rich and returning stars Allen Christensen and Mitch Robinson as the Lions hunt some early season upsets in the AFLX.
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THE Brisbane Lions are ready to make a statement in Saturday’s AFLX competition, according to stand-in coach Ben Hudson.
Led by veteran star Daniel Rich, the Lions will take a 14-man squad to Sydney for the final day of the fast-paced tournament.
Played on a rectangular field, the AFLX is new territory for players and staff alike, but it’s one Brisbane have quickly embraced.
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Hudson believes the changed format will still be a good indicator for himself and the rest of the coaching staff to see where their players are at, including new draftee Zac Bailey and returning trio Allen Christensen, Tom Bell and Mitch Robinson.
While he said there was an element of the unknown, Hudson was satisfied the Lions had done everything they could to prepare for the tournament and was hopeful they could cause a few upsets.
“We’re slowly building and working,” he said of Brisbane’s pre-season.
“This is an opportunity on the weekend to see where we’re at. Probably like all sides we’re quietly confident. Hopefully we can display that this weekend.
“We’ve been training for it for about a month now and it’s been a really good change-up to our training.
“We’re taking 14 players down and they’re all eager to get a hitout. It’s another changing dynamic for the game.”
Hudson is relishing the opportunity to take over the coaching reins for the weekend after Chris Fagan appointed him to the job last month.
He said Fagan liked to give all his staff a chance to develop their skills and it was important for him to find success while at the helm.
“I just want that opportunity to be in charge,” he said.
“Doing this is all part of the development of all our coaches ... we all get given roles to upskill ourselves.
“Hopefully we can have a bit of success and get something out of the weekend and put a few smiles on the faces.”
The Lions are in Pool A for the third day of action and will meet Richmond and GWS in their bid to play in the grand final.
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