Selwood expected to play for Lions - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Selwood expected to play for Lions

By Laine Clark 08/04/2009 05:21:09 PM Comments (0)

Despite copping a blow that blew open the bump debate, Troy Selwood is not expected to miss the Brisbane Lions' AFL clash with bogey team Sydney at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Selwood was concussed by a late, accidental hit to the head by Carlton's Chris Johnson in the Lions' last round loss to the Blues.

Johnson's bump was expected to test the AFL's new rough conduct rules.

Players are now responsible for any contact they make in bumping an opponent.

The rules state a player will be found guilty of rough conduct even if a hit on a player is accidental.

But no action was taken against Johnson after he was cleared by the match review panel.

Lions coach Michael Voss said this week he had "no idea" about the rules regarding head-high contact after Johnson was not reported over the incident.

However, Lions assistant Justin Leppitsch expected Selwood to run out against the Swans - after having a good natured dig.

"I think the doc made him do his seven times table (after the match) which he said he didn't know anyway," he laughed.

"But look, it was one of those things. He is fine. As far as I know everything is clear there.

"If we had a (head knock resting) policy on Troy he would probably miss 50 games a year I reckon - he does get hit quite a bit."

The Lions have not beaten Sydney since round one, 2004 - a winless run of nine games.

Leppitsch said the Lions would have to earn a rare win the hard way on Saturday night.

"They will probably see us as a young group that they can probably bully around and intimidate," he said.

"They probably won't say that, but I would think deep in their minds they would be thinking that is the part of the game they will get us.

"This will be a good test for our young players.

"To have the (Brett) Kirks, (Jude) Boltons, (Luke) Abletts and (Jared) Crouches, these type of players making them earn every kick - I think that will be a great challenge."

But first the Lions must overcome their frustrating quarterly lapses which has given head starts to their opposition in their opening two games.

They were able to reel in West Coast in the season opener but fell short of the Blues.

"It's a mental lapse," Leppitsch said.

"(But) it has been an existing problem. I don't think we played one full, four quarter game last season.

"It's about the growing maturity of the group.

"We have addressed it this week that's for sure."

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