The Cairns Lions under 17’s will travel to AFL heartland in Victoria today to test themselves against some of the code’s best emerging talent.
In what has become and annual trip, the Lions will take on representative sides from Essendon Districts Football League at Keilor (tonight) and Ballarat Football League in Sunbury (Saturday).
Both the Essendon District and Ballarat Footballs Leagues act as feeder competition for respective TAC Cup sides the Western Jets and Ballarat Rebels.
The Lions lost both matches against their Victorian counterparts that last year Coach Eddie Skiba is not expecting any favours this time around either.
“They are definitely going to be strong teams but that’s part of the challenge to see the standards in different parts of the country”, Skiba said.
“I think we will be a lot more competitive than last year. I think we are a more mature side with a lot more 17 years olds out there.
“Unfortunately we’ve had a few late injuries’ to key position players, which has been a bit of a blow to us.”
While he would love the Lions to win at least one match, Skiba will not measure success just by the score lines.
“The big thing im looking for is the effort level from all the boys and how hard they are willing to work through quarter,” Skiba said.
“Also their metal application, because it’s very easy to zone in and out of the game”
Last Modified on 28/10/2010 10:07