Milestone man Brent Moloney may feel he’s jumped from the frying pan into the fire in Brisbane but the struggling Lions see the former Demon as a perfect fit at the Gabba.
No where will that be shown more than on Sunday when Moloney plays his 150th AFL match against old club Melbourne in a crucial match for the Lions and coach Michael Voss.
With the Lions missing their two most influential midfielders in vice-captain Daniel Rich and veteran Simon Black, as well as youngsters Claye Beams and Jared Polec, the 29-year-old must lead an injury-hit on-ball division.
Rising midfielder Dayne Zorko knows a hungry Moloney – who is enthusiastically developing the club’s young cubs – will do just that.
“He’s a big strong body in the midfield which is exactly what we need,” Zorko told AAP. “He’s fitted in fantastically.
“I feel like he’s been there for years.
“He’s been really fantastic for the younger guys, but also the older guys, just sharing his knowledge of the game
“I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
Moloney, who debuted with Geelong in 2003, played 122 games for Melbourne from 2005-2012 and was the cellar-dwelling Demons’ best and fairest in 2011.
Despite the Lions’ poor 1-3 start, the new recruit has been among their best contributors in his first four senior games for the club.
Sunday’s clash is a must-win for the off-contract Voss, particularly with an intimidating eight-match run to follow against arguably the eight strongest teams in the league.
Brisbane were woeful in their 63-point loss to North Melbourne last weekend and the pain of that performance still remains.
“It definitely still hurts but luckily enough seven days is a long time in football,” Zorko said.
“Vossy’s doing a fantastic job so it’s about time the players stood up and kicked our season off.
“To get the boys confidence back is the No.1 aim so we’ve really simplified things this week.”
Moloney’s fellow former Demons teammate, Stef Martin, will miss the clash through injury, but Melbourne’s ex-Lions forward Mitch Clark is also sidelined for the bottom of the table encounter.
Brisbane’s injuries have seen the club name one of their most inexperienced sides with 13 of their 25-man squad having played 25 or less AFL games.
The Demons will miss Neville Jetta (suspension) and Jack Viney (rested) but have called on some experience with David Rodan and Jordie McKenzie promoted.
Melbourne will feel like they have the better momentum on the back of their record 12-goal final quarter to come from behind and post their first win of the season against Greater Western Sydney.
