IC14 Preview: Young Lions stalk top four
- Wednesday, July 23 2014 @ 08:21 pm ACST
- Contributed by: Brett Northey
- Views: 5,050
The South African Lions finished 11th in 2002, 8th in 2005 and roared up to 3rd in 2008. Their goal in 2011 was to make the Grand Final but they dropped to 5th. 2014 sees them return to Australia with only a few experienced campaigners and some very young talent. Their goal - make the top four and from there have a crack at winning the tournament.
Traditionally the South Africans have played a fast, attacking, but at times chaotic style. A lack of regular club matches has probably deprived them of the chance to consistently experience pressure football every week for a long season, and to practice structured play under real match pressure. But their academy program and the first steps towards a national league are addressing these issues so it will be interesting to see whether the Lions can return to the top four and challenge the best the rest of the world has to offer.
When asked about the likely style the Lions will bring, AFL South Africa National Operations and Local Partnership Manager July Machethe explained "To play entertaining and competitive footy in all of our games".