After a tough win to kickstart their season, the Lions will be looking to go 2-0 when they head down to Melbourne to take on Essendon.
For the Bombers, they’ll be looking to put the horrors of their 66-point loss to Geelong behind them and bounce back by putting in a strong performance against their cross-state rivals.
Here’s three things to know ahead of Saturday afternoons clash.
An Essendon Insight
Essendon’s midfield will be looking to get the inside scoop on the Lions engine room, with former Brisbane midfield coach Dale Tapping having made the shift to the hanger late last year.
Lead by Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell and Andrew McGrath, the Bombers will be looking to lift the pressure on a travelling Brisbane side and limit the impact of skilful users like Lachie Neale and Jarryd Lyons.
For the Lions, they’ll be hoping the powerful combination of Cam Rayner and Nakia Cockatoo will be able to cycle through and use their strength and size to bash and crash into Bombers bodies.
Bring on the Boos
Joe Daniher will play his old side for just the second time on Saturday afternoon. More specifically, it will be the leaping forwards first time playing Essendon on their home ground.
A polarising figure amongst footy circles, it would be naïve to expect the Bomber faithful not to bring the noise every time the 28-year-old touches the Sherrin.
For Daniher, the best way to silence a hostile crowd will be to bring the form he brought in Round One, where he kicked 4 goals and took an impressive hanger in a performance that ignited the Brisbane crowd.
The Robbo Precedent
The Lions will be without their aggressive spearhead, Mitch Robinson this week after he failed to overturn the AFL tribunal’s ruling on his bump on Xavier Duursma.
Robinson took to social media, expressing his disappointment:
Very upset with that decision. Unfortunately bracing for contact in a contested game comes with a price now. Although, I appreciate the tribunal considering our case!
— Mitch Robinson (@MitchRobinson05) March 22, 2022
In his place comes Harry Sharp, who was impressive after being activated as medi-sub last week. Arguably possessing the biggest tank in the competition, Sharp will be looking to use his endurance and polish to cement his place in Chris Fagan’s best 22 this year.
