The in-form Brookers have notched 10 wins and a draw from their past 13 matches mainly through the hard-running of Will and Lachie Holmes, Corey McCarthy and Luke Carmen.

The Lions won't lack any confidence against their fiercest rival after already notching two comfortable victories this season.

They inflicted the Brookers most recent defeat in round 15 in front of a massive crowd at Culcairn.

Shields said the smaller ground played into the hands of the Lions.

"It's no secret Holbrook are a young, quick side who thrive on space," Shields said.

"The smaller ground will make it a lot more physical which suits us.

"I know most of the Cul boys are happy with the venue."

IN OTHER NEWS

The Lions were forced to dig deep last Saturday to overcome a spirited Billabong Crows.

Several Lions looked worse for wear including high profile recruit Adam Prior (ankle) and Shields (corked thigh) who played predominantly forward and kicked a crucial goal at the start of the final term.

"A few of us copped a few knocks but nothing too serious," he said.

"Obviously the focus this week at training has been on recovery and everybody is doing the right thing and will be raring to go by Sunday."

Shields is in his fourth season with the Lions since crossing from Kiewa Sandy Creek.

The silky skilled midfielder has proven to be one of the finest recruits in the competition after finishing runner-up in the Azzi medal for the past two seasons.

The 25-year-old is favourite to win the award this year after producing the best season of his career to date.

Shields said the rivalry between Culcairn and Holbrook was still as fierce as it had been over the past few decades.

"It's funny, every time we play Holbrook a lot of former players come down to training on the Thursday night," he said.

"They stay for tea at the clubrooms and tell you stories about how much they despise the Brookers.

"It's hard to explain but everyone seems a lot more on edge and it's a different feeling."