The Brisbane Lions will tackle the Essendon Bombers in a VFL Mother’s Day showdown at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday.
The Round 8 match-up will see the Lions return home to Springfield after two weeks on the road against GWS and Carlton.
A tough victory over the Blues, last week, saw the Lions maintain their unbeaten start to 2023 and continued VFL Head Coach Ben Hudson’s mantra of winning in different ways.
Essendon will pose a new challenge, as a team on the rebound after three straight losses, which the Lions must be weary off as they look to bounce back.
What works in Brisbane’s favour is the fact they return to Brighton Homes Arena, which has been a happy hunting ground for the Lions in terms of scoring, boasting the third best percentage through seven rounds.
Players to Watch
Darcy Fort
Fort has been one of the best for the Lions averaging over 21 disposals and 10 clearances all while providing the Lions midfield with silver service.
An aerial threat, Fort’s over-head marking ability makes him a key target when the Lions move the ball forward.
Fort can also go forward and be a reliable goal-kicker demonstrating his adaptiveness, with one of the most accurate set shots in the competition.
Cal Ah Chee
An unsung hero of the Lions backline, Ah Chee has been in terrific form, his intercept marking and ball-use has been first class.
Used in a wide variety of roles, Ah Chee has become an asset in defence with his big game experience allowing his teammates to trust his decision making.
Last time we met
The Lions will look to continue their recent dominance over the Bombers and put on a good display in front of their home crowd.
Last clashing with Essendon in Round 1 of the 2021 season, it was the Lions first match as part of the Victorian Football League (VFL).
This weekend will be the second time the two sides meet as part of the VFL, with their opening fixture resulting in a 66-point Lions win.
The Lions will enter the game as one of two undefeated teams in the competition and this match-up provides another chance for the Lions to continue their winning ways.
