Key posts
Lions first-gamer Jaxon Prior
By Roy Ward
UPDATED: Jaxon Prior is an agile defender from West Perth Falcons who was selected with pick 59 in the 2019 AFL Draft and he has come in for his debut for Brisbane tonight.
Those who watched football in the 1990s and early 2000s will remember Prior’s father, Michael Prior, who was a running defender for Essendon and West Coast. I thought Michael Prior had played far more games than he actually did playing 81 times for the Bombers and nine times for the Eagles between 1994 and 2002 (stats from Wikipedia).
The Lions website describes Prior as a ‘hybrid’ defender because of his ability to intercept the ball and also make good decisions when he gets the ball, the Cats will certainly test out those traits tonight.
Nearing the end? The hits and misses of Gillon McLachlan’s reign
By Caroline Wilson
The signs that Gillon McLachlan is nearing the end of his time at the helm of the most powerful role in Australian sport are all pervading.
Having said when he moved into the role seven seasons ago that his time in the job would not be a lengthy one in comparison with Andrew Demetriou’s 11 years, the strong impression is that McLachlan is getting his house in order while treading carefully with the game’s rituals and rhythms. Not to mention hard-basket items such as concussion and Tasmania.
Gillon McLachlan speaking in Sydney this week.Credit:Getty Images
Player to watch – Tom Hawkins
Tonight’s medical subs
The Lions have lost a key player with Jarrod Berry a late out replaced by AFL debutante Jaxon Prior.
The two clubs have named their medical subs with Zach Guthrie (Geelong) and Keidean Coleman (Lions) the two replacements.
‘Flat-track bully’? Lions hoping to snap hoodoo as Cats swing the changes
By Jon Pierik
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan insists an 18-year hoodoo in Geelong does not strike fear in his side, as the Cats unveiled four changes ahead of an intriguing Friday night clash.
The Cats, stinging from a 12-point loss to the Adelaide Crows, will not have the suspended Patrick Dangerfield nor the injured Sam Menegola, who suffered an AC joint injury in the loss to the Crows, was subbed out and, according to teammate Mark Blicavs, is still “sore”.
However, forward Josh Jenkins and young defender Zach Guthrie were axed, while Francis Evans, a 19-year-old mid-sized forward taken as a smoky with pick No.41 in the 2019 national draft, will debut. He was named an emergency three times last season.
Chris Fagan’s Lions will play at Geelong’s “fortress” on Friday night.Credit:Getty Images
Good evening all
By Roy Ward
G’day everyone! It’s Roy Ward here and I’ll be tapping the keys for our AFL live blog tonight Geelong Cats hosts Brisbane Lions in Geelong.
This promises to be a great clash given both these sides desire a top-four finish season and both faced tough losses in the opening round.
First bounce is set for 7.50pm AEDT.
Please feel free to leave a comment on the blog at any time and please enjoy the evening to come.
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