Brisbane Lions can complete undefeated season with NEAFL grand final win

The Brisbane Lions look set to do the unlikely and finish the NEAFL season undefeated if they can knock off Southport in Sunday’s grand final.

History will be made at Southport today.

For the Lions a win in the NEAFL grand final would complete the first undefeated season in the competition’s nine year history.

Standing in their way are the Sharks who could become the first State League club to go back-to-back by twice knocking over AFL opponents in grand finals.

Brisbane’s undefeated season makes them deserving favourites, a point captain Ryan Bastinac may choose to remind his men as they prepare for the 1pm bouncedown.

Southport Sharks coach Stephen Daniel celebrates with captains, Andrew Boston and Seb Tape after winning the cup last season. Picture: Jerad Williams

It is also one Sharks coach Stephen Daniel is certainly happy to tell his players.

Daniel, the most successful coach in Queensland with QAFL and NEAFL premierships to his name, reckons the Lions’ dominant season can be a cross to bear in a grand final.

“History will show you teams that have been undefeated will be beaten,’’ he says.

Daniel is happy to pile the pressure on Brisbane knowing the expectations of victory on a full strength AFL reserves side are greater than what the Sharks face.

Last time they met the Lions smashed Southport by 20 goals in a game shrouded in controversy after the Sharks fielded a vastly under-strength side.

Ryan Bastinac in action for the Lions NEAFL side.

NEAFL rules dictate that Brisbane can only field 16 AFL listed players in a final against a non-AFL opponent so this time it is the Lions who have made widespread changes.

Academy players Keidean Coleman, Darcy Marsh, Will Martyn, Noah Cumberland, Tom Matthews and Justin Currie have been called into the side with first and second year AFL listed players Connor McFadyen, Toby Wooller, Tom Fullarton, Jack Payne, Thomas Berry and Ely Smith have been omitted.

Bastinac has full confidence that the Academy players can get the job done.

“They’ve been good all year when they’ve had to come in,” he said.

“The boys make them feel really comfortable out there. They ask a lot of questions and they’ll play a good part for us.”

And he reckons the last meeting can be thrown out the window as a form guide.

“They will bring in new nine players so it will be a different type of game, but we’re up for the challenge. It will be good for us,” he said.

The 28-year-old is in red hot form after a 39 disposal and two goal performance in their Preliminary Final win over Sydney.

“That’s where you want to play your best footy, in finals, not matter what level it is,” he said.