Lions without stars, Hawks pumped - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Lions without stars, Hawks pumped

19/02/2004 07:09:29 PM Comments (0)

Brisbane will be without over a quarter of its 2003 AFL premiership team for Sunday's Wizard Cup game against Hawthorn in Launceston.

With a raft of stars including captain Michael Voss, Simon Black and Justin Leppitsch all sidelined, it will be a vastly undermanned Brisbane taking on the Hawks.

Adding to the Lions' challenge of covering their stars will be a tough opponent in Hawthorn, whose coach believes are set for big things this year.

Peter Schwab told supporters this week: "We are going to win the premiership."

Schwab reiterated the Hawks' lofty ambitions: "Right at the moment, with where we're at, we're more than capable (of winning the premiership).

"On our day I think we can beat anyone."

Brisbane's Alastair Lynch, Clark Keating and Blake Caracella (ankle) will also miss Sunday's game, while Brad and Chris Scott, who both missed the grand final win over Collingwood, continue to recover from groin surgery.

Voss is still overcoming a knee joint problem and is not expected back until halfway through the pre-season competition, while Black (knee tendonitis) is expected to resume around the same time.

Leppitsch (shoulder surgery) is aiming to return early in the premiership season, while Lynch and Keating are being eased back into the fray.

The Magpies will also have a depleted side for the first Wizard Cup game, against West Coast at Subiaco on Sunday.

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