An undermanned Brisbane meets a strong Gold Coast outift on Thursday night at Brighton Homes Arena in the clubs’ final dress rehearsal before Opening Round.
Marquee recruit Oscar Allen, along with Cam Rayner, Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews, won’t play against the Suns, who are fielding close to a full-strength outfit at Springfield.
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‘FOUGHT HIS HEART OUT’: YOUNG LION STAKES OPENING RD CLAIM
The Lions tried a couple of lesser-known names in the ruck with Darcy Fort absent and Sam Draper sidelined to start the season, and one could be bolting towards an Opening Round debut.
Youngsters Zane Zakostelsky and Cody Curtin — the 18-year-old brother of Adelaide’s Daniel — interchanged in the middle of the ground on Thursday night.
And it was former third-round draft pick Zakostelsky who impressed early and often, showcasing his athleticism in the ruck but also his abilities around the ground — at one stage handball-receiving in the centre square before delivering an accurate pass.
The 20-year-old’s follow-up work was also notable, looking to tackle and chase if his initial tap didn’t go to his intended target.
“Zakostelsky’s been impressive — hasn’t played an AFL game, but he’s been forced to play ruck tonight, and he’s fought his heart out,” Fox Footy caller Dwayne Russell said.
Jack Riewoldt added: “He’s really worked Jarrod Witts out — he’s been able to get around and get his hand to some of those taps. I thought Witts was going to set a world record for tap-outs, but he’s been excellent in the second and third quarter.”
Clubs will consider selecting a second ruckman given the fifth spot on the interchange, and Lions coach Chris Fagan could ponder a number two to Fort for the Bulldogs clash as Draper nurses foot stress.
“He might play (in Opening Round). Who’s going to be second ruck? Fort will come in, we know Draper is not ready until probably Round 2,” Jack Riewoldt said in the fourth quarter.
Cameron Mooney added: “Well, the extra player on the bench now, (it could) be a great role for him.”
Fort was rested for the Thursday night fixture; the club wrapping him in cotton wool just nine days out from Brisbane’s Opening Round clash with the Bulldogs on March 7.
Along with Fort, Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews were rested, while Cam Rayner (soreness), Oscar Allen and Ryan Lester (both concussion) were left out.
Hugh McCluggage, who was one of the Brisbane stars who played on Thursday night, was withdrawn from the contest prior to the three-quarter-time due to a corked calf — with the Lions maintaining his early exit was merely part of his Opening Round preparation.
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BRISBANE SELECTED SIDE
B: S.Brain, D.Joyce, D.Gardiner
HB: L.McCarthy, Z.Zakostelsky, D.Wilmot
C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage – C, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, L.Lloyd, Z.Bailey
F: K.Lohmann, T.Gallop, L.Morris
Foll: C.Curtin, J.Dunkley, L.Neale
I/C: W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, K.Coleman, S.Marshall, C.McKenna, W.McLachlan, J.Tunstill, B.Reville
Emg: D.Annable, L.Beecken, R.Torrent, T.Hayes
Missing: Sam Draper, Oscar Allen, Tom Doedee, Dayne Zorko, Cam Rayner, Eric Hipwood, Harris Andrews, Darcy Fort, Ryan Lester, Jack Payne, Noah Answerth
GOLD COAST SELECTED SIDE
B: O.Adams, M.Andrew, S.Collins
HB: J.Noble, B.Uwland, D.Rioli
C: S.Clohesy, W.Powell, L.Weller
HF: B.Long, C.Petracca, L.Lombard
F: J.Walter, B.Humphrey, B.King
Foll: J.Witts, N.Anderson – C, T.Miller
I/C: A.Davies, J.Ugle-Hagan, N.Moyle, W.Graham, Z.Uwland, L.Gulbin, J.Jeffrey, J.Farrar
Emg: A.Thomas, K.Coulson, B.Jepson, C.Graham
Missing: Nick Holman, Charlie Ballard, Elliott Himmelberg, Matt Rowell, Ethan Read, Jake Rogers
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