Two Blues wary of Lions

LADDER leader Lindisfarne regains three speedy midfielders for its clash with Huonville at Huonville Oval today, as the SFL’s highestscoring team goes head-tohead with the competition’s best defence.

With three rounds remaining, Two Blues trio Tom Roberts, Theo Jaynes and 18-yearold Luke Swinton are back to add pace through the middle.

That the Lions downed Lindisfarne the last time they met at Huonville was not lost on coach Dan Willing, who said his team must right that wrong or it could lose top spot to Claremont.

“Huonville have got some quality players and we need to make sure we are ready to play and produce somewhere near our best footy,” Willing said.

The Lions, third on the ladder, were at their devastating best that day and the Blues expect more of the same.

“Their work at stoppages was really good. They were really well organised and got their hands on the ball first,” Willing said.

“And they were really good when the ball got on the outside, they used the corridor and opened us up at times.

“Their biggest strength is their ability to hold the opposition to low scores.

“They are the best defensive team in the competition so we have to make sure our ball use is really good and we can get through them and try to score.”

Willing said getting players back was important as Lindisfarne prepares for the business end of the season.

“We’ve been unlucky with injury,” he said.

“We haven’t had our best side on the park all year and we still won’t this week.

“But the depth on our list is very good so we have been able to hold up with those injuries.”

A win to Claremont over Dodges Ferry at Shark Park (1pm) would keep the Magpies in the running for the minor premiership, while the Sharks need the four points to retain fourth on the ladder.

Cygnet (fifth) plays Brighton at Pontville, while Hobart (sixth) hosts Sorell at the TCA Ground, where it will have a charity day to raise money for Ronald McDonald House.