Brisbane will head to Marvel Stadium this Friday night as they take on St Kilda in Round 22.
For the Lions, a win takes them one step closer toward a coveted top four spot heading into September. For the Saints, a win would increase their chances of joining the Lions in the Finals race.
Last time we met
Brisbane 78 def. St Kilda 57
On a night in which it struggled for attacking fluency, Brisbane got its hands dirty to muscle past an injury-ravaged St Kilda by 21 points at the Gabba on Saturday night.
The Lions trailed by 12 points at half-time but dominated field position and eventually forced its way to a 10.18 (78) to 8.9 (57) victory, despite some inaccurate kicking around goal.
While others struggled to hit targets under heavy pressure, Hugh McCluggage rose when his team needed it, gathering 33 disposals and seven clearances in a pure midfield role, adding a brilliant running goal from 50 metres early in the last quarter.
Lachie Neale (37 touches) was prolific, while Joe Daniher (three goals) made a successful return from shoulder injury after missing the previous six weeks.
Heading to the game? Read the match day guide here.
Key Match - Ups
Harris Andrews vs Max King
It's always a fierce battle when these two go head-to-head. Our Vice-Captain is averaging 6.7 marks, 8.1 spoils and 9.5 one percenters (all considered elite) and is a vital piece of the Lions back six, who will be without Marcus Adams this Friday.
Meanwhile, King is 2.4 goals, 6.1 score involvements and 2.3 contested marks and is a handful for any defender at his best.
Zac Bailey vs Hunter Clark
It'll be a test of the speedsters between these two on Friday night. Fresh off a four-goal, best on ground performance last week, Bailey will be looking to continue his impressive form and provide plenty of dash and explosiveness in the forward line for the Lions. Meanwhile, rebounding Hunter Clark will be looking to provide plenty of score launches from half-back for the Saints, ranking in the elite category for ground-ball gets and above-average in contested possession.
It's a big week for...
Two stalwarts of the Lions side of the last eight years, Zorko and Gardiner will both celebrate milestones on Friday night. For Zorko, the 33-year-old will run out for his 100th game as Captain, having taken over from Dayne Beams midway through the 2018 season.
For his teammate Gardiner, he'll run out for game 150, a milestone that fellow Lions have quickly jumped on board to celebrate. Daniel Rich spoke on the admired defenders courage and reliance:
"He is an incredibly tough player who gives everything he has. You know what you’re going to get from Diz each week,” the veteran said.
“Dizz really represents what we strive for as a defensive unit, he’s as honest and tough as they come and gives his all each week. He’s always first in to support you and loves a wrestle.
“He is a quietly spoken person with a lot of hidden mongrel, especially on the golf course, he’s a bloke who would always have your back.”
