2015 NAB Cup: Gold Coast v Brisbane Metricon Stadium Friday 20/03/2015

[RaisyDaisy]

I don't think I would actually bet on it, but I do think the gap between them will be minimal, making Beams the better value for money option

[Mat0369]

125 David Swallow

123 Harley Bennell

119 Tom Rockliff

111 Dayne Beams

108 Stefan Martin

105 Daniel Rich

101 Nick Malceski

96 Matthew Leuenberger

95 Dion Prestia

94 Daniel Merrett

93 Dayne Zorko

92 Jack Redden

90 Justin Clarke

83 Matt Shaw

79 Kade Kolodjashnij

77 Touk Miller

77 Mitch Hallahan

73 Jed Adcock

73 Brandon Matera

71 Rohan Bewick

70 James Aish

69 Trent McKenzie

69 Zac Smith

67 Ryan Lester

66 Jarrod Harbrow

65 Luke Russell

62 Rory Thompson

61 Adam Saad

60 Greg Broughton

60 Lewis Taylor

59 Allen Christensen

57 Steven May

57 Jaden McGrath

55 Michael Rischitelli

54 Claye Beams

52 Marco Paparone

51 Seb Tape

50 Mitch Robinson

49 Tom Nicholls

45 Daniel McStay

38 Aaron Hall

37 Daniel Gorringe

37 Michael Close

35 Josh Green

35 Jarrod Garlett

28 Alex Sexton

17 Darcy Gardiner

4 Liam Dawson

[Ringo]

http://www.lions.com.au/news/2015-03-21/draw-in-nab-challenge-3

WHAT WE LEARNED
Gold Coast: Maybe, just maybe, the Suns won't be so reliant on skipper Gary Ablett this season. While his absence during the pre-season hasn't been ideal for preparation and continuity, it may have been a blessing in disguise long-term. Not only can the Suns rely on David Swallow and Dion Prestia for consistent midfield output, but Harley Bennell, Michael Rischitelli, Mitch Hallahan and Jarrod Harbrow all look set for strong seasons.

Brisbane Lions: The Lions are going to be far more difficult to score against this season. In their three pre-season matches they've conceded just eight, four and eight goals, a far cry from the average of 100 points they coughed up each week in 2014. It's not just the back six â€" far from it â€" but the Lions seem better organized all over the field, and despite being outplayed for much of the night, did not let their opponents come back into the corridor or play-on as quickly.

NEW FACES
Gold Coast: If he hadn't done so already, rookie Adam Saad has played himself into the Suns' round one team with another solid display. There is room to elevate the attacking defender to the senior list, and his 15 disposals were again full of dash and polish before he was unfortunately carried off with a heavy head knock late in the final term. Draftees Touk Miller and Jarrod Garlett also appear destined to play the first match of the premiership season. Miller is a defensive terrier and put a pass on the chest of Alex Sexton for a goal, while Garlett is clever and exciting. Nick Malceski played his best game of the pre-season, while Mitch Hallahan chalked up 19 disposals.

Brisbane Lions: He might have missed much of the pre-season while recoveing from back surgery, but Allen Christensen slotted in beautifully. He kicked a goal with his first kick and finished with 15 touches. Dayne Beams continued his supreme pre-season, racking up another 31 disposals, while Mitch Robinson is a big reason why the forward pressure is so impressive. Liam Dawson and Jaden McGrath had quiet games in limited minutes.

2 injuries from the game Gardiner Shoulder having scans today and Saad with concussion.  Trust it is not a serious concussion as it will take another rookie defender out.