Lions.com.au takes a look at the five players to watch in our Round 17 game against the GWS GIANTS at the Gabba on Sunday.
Dylan Shiel
Dylan Shiel is certainly one of the GIANTS that the Lions will have to nullify if they wish to sing the team song on Sunday night. Shiel is a midfielder who makes a huge impact, averaging 5.7 clearances per game.
With an average of 28 disposals per game, Shiel knows how to find the footy. It is expected that he will be be closely monitored by Mitch Robinson, who is currently the Lions ‘go to’ man for shutting down opposition stars.
Shane Mumford
Shane Mumford will have his work cut out for him up against Stefan Martin at the Gabba this weekend. They're two of the big men of the competition and, the Mumford (199cm, 107kg) and Martin (197cm, 105kg) battle could be where the game is won or lost.
Averaging 33 hit outs and 5 tackles a game, Mumford is a berometer for the GIANTS. Generally speaking, if he's on, the GIANTS are on.
Steve Johnson
Former premiership Cat, Stevie J is an experienced addition to the GIANTS outfit. He knows how to find the goals from anywhere inside 50, and has kicked 29 goals already in 2016.
With only 9 disposals in the GIANTS' loss to Collingwood last week, he will be looking to deliver a solid performance on Sunday.
Eric Hipwood
Three goals in round 15 and four against the SUNS last round, Eric Hipwood is stepping up every week. Strong overhead and agile for his size, he’s as exciting as they come for a debutant as of 3 games ago.
In his 4th AFL appearance he will be looking to continue his good form up forward.
Rhys Mathieson
Fan favourite, AKA 'Beast Mode' has been a force in the midfield for the Lions. A genuine hard ball getter and skillful by hand and foot, Rhys has been impressive in his first AFL season.
Last week he was arguably our best with 24 possessions (10 contested), seven inside 50s and five clearances.
Mathieson: We'll come out hard
Who do you think are the five players to watch?
