Lions face hoodoo team in second semifinal

Royals will have to overcome their troubling recent record against North Albany if they are to progress through to their first grand final since 2014 on Saturday at Collingwood Park.

The Lions face off against the Kangas, who are gunning for their fourth-straight flag, in the second semifinal having not registered a win against them since the 2015 season.

The last time the Lions were able to claim victory over the Kangas it took a goal after the siren from Harry Broomhall to ensure a five-point victory in round 10, 2015.

The Lions were bundled out of the finals last year by the Kangas, going down by 14 points in the preliminary final.

In May this year the Kangas recorded an eight-point win over the Lions before a commanding 42-point victory in round 10 at Centennial Stadium.

The Kangas notched a 20-point win against the Lions last Saturday after going into the final quarter with scores level.

Despite last weekend’s win, Kangas coach Craig Dew said his side’s midfield had to improve.

“Royals took more out of that game than we did,” he said.

“We need to lift considerably and we need improvement from our midfield.”

Dew said he was hopeful Beau Rogers would be fit to play after injuring his knee against Denmark in round 12.

The Lions will be without ruckman Peter Mark, who injured his hamstring in last weekend’s clash, while Dave Parker is still out after straining a medial ligament in round 14.

Corey Ward is expected to play after leaving last Saturday’s game with a calf complaint.

Lions coach James McRae said he was confident his side could challenge the Kangas.

“All the games have been close this year and we certainly made some inroads on the weekend,” he said. “We had been making a heap of changes to our side each week but we’ve finally got some stability.

“We’re only three goals behind them and closing — we’ll fine-tune a few things.”

GSFL Second Semifinal

Saturday at Collingwood Park

League, 2.30pm - North Albany v Royals

Reserves, 12.30pm - Royals v North Albany

Colts, 10.45am - Royals v Albany

Sixteens, 9.15am - Royals v Albany