Lachie Neale says the absence of Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver solely creates extra complications because the Brisbane Lions do their homework forward of a uncommon MCG go to.
Oliver (hamstring) stays sidelined for the third-against-fourth conflict on Friday that might be solely the Lions’ second go to to the venue this season.
Christian Petracca was used successfully ahead of the ball within the Demons’ defeat of St Kilda final week, with Neale admitting Melbourne’s set-up had grow to be much less predictable with Oliver out of the image.
“In the midfield now, we don’t really know how they’ll set up,” he stated.
“Petracca played a bit more of a forward role and was very damaging; still attended quite a few centre bounces but still drifted forward.
“James Jordan, Tom Sparrow, Angus Brayshaw are getting lots of alternative.
“Oliver’s a great player but it throws a different look at teams … it’s a great test for us.”
Brisbane midfielder Josh Dunkley (calf) might miss a second sport, with Jarryd Lyons proving a succesful alternative within the Lions’ thumping of West Coast final week.
The Lions will not play on the MCG once more till finals and have misplaced their final 12 earlier regular-season clashes on the venue.
They did upset the Demons on the floor in final season’s semi-final, although, and Neale stated after a shock loss to Hawthorn there earlier this season, Brisbane would relish the event.
“We just want to make the most of it; excited to go to that place and play,” he stated.
“It’s a great opportunity to get back to Melbourne and try to beat one of the best teams in the comp.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
