The Brisbane Lions will take on the Collingwood Magpies in a highly anticipated matchup between two unbeaten sides in Round 3 of the VFL at Brighton Homes Arena.
The Lions are coming off the back of two thrilling come-from-behind victories against Werribee and Footscray.
Collingwood was dominant in its first two outings, defeating Coburg by 92 points and Port Melbourne by 52 points.
This showdown presents as a heavyweight battle between two clubs looking to finish at the pointy end of the ladder.
Last time we met
The AIA Centre played host to the last meeting between the Lions and Pies in Round 14 of Season 2022.
Rhys Mathieson was herculean, kicking two goals, seven clearances and 43 possessions to lift the Lions to a 25-point win.
Tom Fullarton and Tahj Abberley kicked three goals each while Darcy Fort joined Mathieson with two majors.
The Lions also won the clearance battle leading to 60 inside 50’s which generated 27 scoring shots.
It was a polished performance from Brisbane who only lost one more game for the rest of the regular season.
This time around
The Lions will need to be wary of the Pies’ propensity to score and score heavily.
Led by Ryan Lester, the Lions and their defence will be on high alert come Thursday afternoon to ensure the Pies are stone-walled from much of the contest.
In their first two matches Collingwood has kicked a combined 43 goals culminating in 275 points.
Contrastingly, Brisbane has been able to hunt teams down late in games, coming back from 23 and 26 points respectively.
It has been a tale of two halves for the Lions thus far, Brisbane has allowed 122 points in the first half of games this season versus just 32 points in the second half.
The Lions have been able to restrict and nullify opposition attacks after half-time to great effect.
A four-quarter performance will be needed against a Collingwood side boasting a number AFL-listed players.
The Lions, however, are well equipped for the challenge with a potent forward line, hardened midfield and an experienced backline.
Rhys Mathieson, Jarryd Lyons and Deven Robertson were enormous in the middle of the ground against Footscray and will again be vital cogs in the Lions midfield.
The return of Fort and Noah Answerth will further strengthen the Lions midfield and half backline.
Wylie Buzza has been a revelation in the forward line, booting five goals in two games, including the match winner against Werribee.
James Madden rebounded well off half-back linking up with Harry Sharp and Jaspa Fletcher on the wings.
