After a thrilling win over Richmond at home, Brisbane will be full of confidence ahead of a do-or-die semi final against reigning premiers, Melbourne.

Last time we met

Lions fans won't look too fondly at the last time their side met Melbourne. Round 23 was a one-sided affair Brisbane will be looking to flip the script on come bounce on Friday night.

From the moment Kysaiah Pickett swooped on a loose ball to goal inside the opening 20 seconds, Round 23 fizzled into an exhibition as the premiers defeated Brisbane by 58 points in front of a stunned sell-out crowd at the Gabba.

07:14

How it Unfolded: Round 23 vs Melbourne

The Lions and Dees clash in round 23

Any time the Lions tried to move the ball through the corridor, Melbourne was there to either pressure or intercept. They simply could not get through the premiers' defensive web despite winning the inside-50 count 58-50.

Brisbane will be without Joe Daniher (personal reasons) and Oscar McInerney (concussion) as they look to rectify their previous two matches against Melbourne, but will be bolstered with the return of Cam Rayner, Noah Answerth and Darcy Fort.

Key Match-Ups

Dev Robertson vs Clayton Oliver

With Jarryd Lyons (groin) missing last weeks Elimination Final, Deven Robertson was assigned the task of quietening the Tigers' best midfielder, Dion Prestia, which he performed admirably while collecting 12 disposals and a goal of his own.

The 21-year-old could now be called on to shut down one of the most in-form midfielders in the competition, Clayton Oliver. Oliver collected 29 disposals, eight clearances and eight tackles in Melbourne's Qualifying Final loss to Sydney.

Lachie Neale vs James Harmes

Following his mammoth performance in his sides win over Richmond last week, Lachie Neale will be expecting a little more opposition attention on Friday night. In Brisbane's last two encounters with Melbourne, James Harmes has had the job of negating the Brownlow Medallists influence, keeping him to 22 disposals in their Round 15 meeting. 

However, Neale was able to wriggle the tag in their Round 23 encounter, collecting 29 disposals and laying six tackles and will look to do similar to assist his team on Friday night. 

It's a big week for...

Darcy Fort

Darcy Fort will be given the number one ruck duties on Friday night against a Melbourne combination of Gawn/Jackson.

With Oscar McInerney to miss the Semi Final clash under concussion protocol, Fort has a big task ahead in his first AFL Finals appearance.

The 29-year-old is averaging 16.3 hit-outs and has the ability to be a strong leading target when swung forward.