Lions take no chances with Flinn fitness

STYLISH playmaker Flinn Chisholm has become the third player ruled out of the Palm Beach-Currumbin side for a QAFL finals match today.

The quality midfielder joins Steven Thynne (hamstring) and Dale Neuhaus (ankle) on the boundary line when the Lions take on Western Magpies in the qualifying final at Salk Oval.

Chisholm felt soreness in his quad during the loss to Labrador last weekend when the Lions coughed up top spot on the ladder to the Tigers.

“We could have played him at a pinch but we’ve decided to give him a week off,” coach Chad Owens said, knowing the Lions have the finals double chance and will live to fight another week if the Magpies beat them. “If this had been a preliminary final he would be playing.”

Thynne and Neuhaus were also injured against Labrador but one brother’s misfortune is another brother’s good luck because Thynne’s place in the side will be taken by younger sibling Thomas, who is back from Southport.

Also returning are lively small forward Kristen Higgs and Luke Marshall. Higgs is back after a two-week break forced by concussion.

“Tom gives us something different as a midfielder – he has good leg speed and takes the game on,” Owens said.

“And Kristen gives us the X-factor. He’s a good small forward and can work across the middle.”