Lucky dip adds interest to NEAFL derby

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.

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.