We’ve put last week behind us and are pushing full steam toward the west as we look to respond against the red-hot Dockers.
Here’s everything you need to know as we jet off on footy’s longest trip.
Last time we met
Last time we played Freo it was a fairly nice afternoon at the Gabba.
Will Ashcroft won himself a car (to be confirmed) and kicked the Goal of the Year leading candidate as we cruised to a 48-point win.
Here’s what the AFL said:
It was goals galore for the Lions at their Gabba fortress on Saturday afternoon, outworking the Dockers 17.13 (115) to 10.7 (67).
Lachie Neale set the standard for Brisbane through the middle with 35 disposals (24 contested) and 13 clearances, while Ashcroft also starred, not just with his quick-thinking goal reminiscent of Daniel Wells 20 years ago but with 26 disposals and two goals.
Putting the Dockers' defence under immense pressure, the Lions' midfield mix of Ashcroft, Neale, Zorko and Oscar McInerney was at its dangerous best, dominating the clearance count 46-29 which led to an inside 50 differential of 62-42, Brisbane's way. As a result, the home side piled on the points from stoppage.
Be excited about
Darcy Fort’s return
After signing a contract extension, ‘Forty’ comes back into the side to replace Big O in an important game.
Fort has kicked five goals in the last fortnight and averaged 35 hitouts in his last three games as sole ruck.
A sharp shooter who can float forward and be dangerous around goal, we’ll be needing the best of Forty as we look to respond against Freo.
Match ups we’re keen for
Lachie Neale vs Caleb Serong
Serong will be looking to lead his time from the middle as he goes up against our Co-Captain.
Neale will be ready to put last weeks disappointment behind him and we expect a statement to be made and the Lachie Neale we all know and love to come back out to play.
His adversary in Serong collected 29 disposals in Fremantle’s win last week over Geelong, and stopping his drive out of the stoppage will be key for us getting the four points.
