Lions ready for trying conditions

Payne Park’s drainage is set to be tested on Sunday afternoon, with driving rain predicted ahead of the highly anticipated league showdown between Bunbury and Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault. But Lions coach John Baggetta is not worried about it. “We have played pretty well in the wet,” he said. “Last year, we had a few heavy games in really trying conditions. “And the other week against South Bunbury, the conditions were pretty tough out at Brunswick, but the guys handled it pretty well. “At the end of the day, it is what it is. If the guys want to play footy, they have to adapt to conditions and just get their heads over the ball.” At the kennel, Bulldogs coach Jamie Nani faces another dilemma — who potentially could miss out at the selection table? “There were no passengers (last week) and we may get a couple back,” he said. “So some players may be unlucky.” But Nani firmly believes all 22 selected players will need to do their bit if they are to defeat the Lions, who have not lost since Round 18, 2018 — with their winning streak currently at 24, including finals. “You obviously build towards these sort of games and get judged on how you play in big games,” he said. “HBL have been undefeated for 18 months and are the reigning premiers, so we are looking forward to the challenge.” Sunday’s other clash between the Collie Eagles and Augusta-Margaret River could also have big ramifications on the final make-up of the top-five, as both sides need to keep winning to place pressure on the Bulldogs, Magpies and Lions. The game also signals the start of a brutal schedule for the Hawks, who play four of their last five games away from Gloucester Park. On Saturday at VC Mitchell Park, Donnybrook will look to bounce back swiftly from its last quarter fade-out against the Hawks, when they entertain Carey Park. The Dons are unlikely to take the Panthers lightly, especially on their home turf, given what happened in round one last year, when their 2018 premiership celebrations were dampened by a fierce Panthers outfit. In Busselton, the Magpies will be expected to take care of South Bunbury, while the Eaton Boomers face the Harvey Bulls in Harvey.