AFL clubs Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions face off in NEAFL battle of lists

Rory Thompson will make his return from injury with the Gold Coast Suns’ NEAFL side. Picture: Richard Gosling Source: News Corp Australia

WHEN it comes to the clash of AFL clubs Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions in the NEAFL, it almost always comes down to which personnel are available.

Both have the ability to draw on AFL players to boost their list each weekend but the addition of that talent doesn’t come without a cost.

For most of this season the clubs have been given senior players who are either out of form or taking their first tentative steps since injury.

The Suns will travel to Coorparoo to play the Lions today and Gold Coast coach Josh Fraser said despite the constant line-up changes the players were expected to maintain the high standards required of that level.

“A bit of that rivalry gets diluted a bit when both teams are crippled with injuries,” he said.

“We are both in similar positions but we will have enough listed players to make sure there is a good build-up between the two.

“We know our good football is good enough to beat the better sides and on any given day you only have to be marginally off to have the scores turn quickly.”

The Gold Coast hold ninth spot with two wins while the Lions are in 10th with just one.

The Suns will be bolstered by Rory Thompson, Clay Cameron, Greg Broughton, Keegan Brooskby, Peter Wright and Alex Sexton.

Fraser said the lack of stability with key players provided a challenge but found success by keeping it simple.

“Having that structure and game play with players who know each other helps them execute the best four quarters but it does make it hard when the list is changing,” Fraser said.

“We expect the effort from the listed boys and they need to providing the non-negotiables.”

Southport will aim to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Redland Bombers last weekend by taking down second-placed Aspley away from home today.