Brisbane Lions set to create history with unbeaten run in NEAFL

The Lions are aiming to break two records this weekend, as the AFL team looks to claim its first minor premiership since 1913 and NEAFL team looks to go undefeated.

Brisbane are aiming for a double slice of history on the weekend with their NEAFL side a win away from recording the competition’s first unbeaten season.

The AFL side have a chance to win the club’s first minor premiership since Fitzroy in 1913 by defeating Richmond in their final home and away match at the MCG.

According to captain Dayne Zorko the strength of the Lions reserves is a key reason for the seniors’ rise to the top of the ladder.

Live stream the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on KAYO SPORTS. Every match of every round. Live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial >

“Our reserves have played some fantastic football this year, they’re yet to drop a game,’’ Zorko said.

“There’s a lot of really good talent that we can pick from.

“That’s probably been the beauty, and one of the key successes is the NEAFL team has been so strong and pushing us in the senior team to perform every week.’’

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE SACKED PODCAST

The Lions will have to make one change to the side that defeated Geelong last weekend to replace forward Allen Christensen who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Coach Chris Fagan has named an extended 26-man squad which will be trimmed before the side departs for Melbourne on Saturday.

Several players had quiet games against Geelong, including last-goal hero Lincoln McCarthy and Cameron Rayner but both were able to produce moments in the final quarter that contributed to the win and Fagan has shown a preference to stick with his winning combinations over the back half of the season.

Rhys Mathieson is on the extended bench for the Lions. Picture: Peter Wallis

Josh Walker, Cedric Cox, Lewis Taylor and Rhys Mathieson are the new faces on the bench alongside Rayner, Noah Answerth and Zac Bailey.

Cox and Taylor are the most like-for-like replacements for Christensen. Fagan has the option of using Bailey or Hugh McCluggage, who has played predominantly on the wing, in attack which could mean another midfielder comes into the side.

Zorko said having good players with considerable senior experience knocking on the door for selection made Fagan’s selection task complicated but would mean there was little disruption to the side.

ROUND 23 TIPS: CAN LIONS HOLD ONTO TOP SPOT?

RISING: WHY BRISBANE SITS TOP OF AFL LADDER

“I’m sure anyone could come in and fill a role,’’ he said.

The NEAFL side already has the minor premiership sewn up and hold a five-win lead over the second-placed Southport Sharks.

Brisbane have beaten Sydney in all three meetings this season and are coming off a convincing 47-point win over GWS last week.

The Swans sit third on the ladder and need a win to hold that position and host an Elimination Final in week one.

Originally published as Brisbane Lions set to create history with unbeaten run in NEAFL