Ty Gallop Returns as Lions Game Today Sends Brisbane to Sydney
Ty Gallop is back in the Brisbane Lions’ AFL side for lions game today, named to start in defence after returning from concussion. Brisbane also named its VFL team for the same Sydney trip, giving the club a double-header against the GWS GIANTS at ENGIE Stadium.
That means the Lions will field two squads in one day on Sunday, with the AFL match set for 12:30pm in Round 11 and the VFL match following at 4pm in Round 9. For the main side, the changes are already clear: Gallop returns, Will McLachlan comes in after his VFL form earned a call-up, and Ryan Lester misses after injuring his calf at training on Thursday.
Gallop Back in Defence
Gallop’s return is the sharpest move in Brisbane’s AFL selection. The premiership forward-turn-defender goes straight into the back line, adding experience to a side that has reshuffled around him.
McLachlan’s selection gives Brisbane another change on the day. He was listed on the AFL bench with Jaspa Fletcher, Sam Marshall, Conor McKenna and James Tunstill, while the three emergencies were Luke Beecken, Zane Zakostelsky and Shadeau Brain.
Brisbane AFL Bench Moves
Lester’s absence is the one setback in the AFL group. His calf injury at training on Thursday removed a defender from the mix and opened the door for Gallop’s recall.
That leaves Brisbane going into Round 11 with a different structure from the side it had earlier in the week. The team will also be on national broadcast coverage, with the AFL match set to air on Fox and Kayo at 12:30pm Sunday.
Geesu Debuts For Lions
The VFL side carries its own story. Raphael Geesu will make his VFL debut, James Creighton is set for his 50th VFL game, and Cody Curtin returns after two AFL appearances against Essendon and Geelong.
Charlie Hewitt and Liam Jones are the other VFL inclusions, while Reece Torrent misses with an ankle injury and Darragh Joyce is out with a knee injury. Brisbane’s second Sydney game starts at 4pm, and the group taking that field will be followed through the AFL app stream.
For Brisbane, Sunday is more than a routine selection announcement. The club is sending both squads to the same venue, with one AFL defender returning from concussion, one forward rewarded from the VFL, and one academy player getting his first VFL run while Creighton reaches 50 games.
