Sitting just inside the Top 8, and with several teams on the same points, the Lions will need to keep building up those wins to maintain their position.
We return to the Gabba in Round 7 to take on the Sydney Swans, whom we havent beaten in a decade. But as Daniel Rich said in the press conference earlier today.
"We're ready to change that this weekend," He said.
"There’s nothing better than home games in front of home fans."
Rich: I think the Swans have been a quality side for a long time. They are one of those teams that have a strong fabric and play strong contested footy. pic.twitter.com/yAxDAkeJQE
— Lions Media (@lions_media) April 29, 2019
Where and when: the Gabba, Saturday, May 4, 4.35pm AEST.
Last time they met: the Gabba, round 10, 2018: Sydney 10.7 (67) d Brisbane 6.13 (49).
In wet and slippery conditions, the Swans got the better of their younger opponents despite losing a number of key statistical categories. Brisbane had more inside 50s, clearances and tackles but Josh Kennedy (34 touches) revelled and the half-back line of Jarrad McVeigh, Zak Jones and Jake Lloyd rebounded the ball with precision, driving Sydney to a third straight victory.
What it means for Brisbane: After six rounds, the Lions are right in the hunt for the top eight and it's games like these, against the struggling Swans, they'd love to win to show their continual improvement. A win in front of the home fans after the last-start shocker against Collingwood would also go down well.
What it means for Sydney: The Swans have been competitive most weeks but they'd love to bash the door down against a club they've traditionally had the wood over. If dreams of September action still flicker, this is a must win.
How Brisbane wins: After rediscovering some form against Gold Coast, the Lions and coach Chris Fagan will be wanting more of the same – back to basics and winning the contested ball. If the Lions get that right, and show some patience when they have the ball, there's enough weapons to kick a winning score.
How Sydney wins: Essendon and Collingwood supplied the blueprint in recent weeks. Aside from being competitive around the contest, you have to cut off Brisbane's switch of play from half-back to hopefully frustrate it into errors. Quick counter-attack from the defensive half has also caught the Lions napping in recent weeks.
The match-up: Jarryd Lyons v Josh Kennedy
Although it's unlikely there'll be much tagging in this match, this pair are the genuine inside mids for each club and should have a big influence on the result. Lyons got back to his best against former club Gold Coast last weekend, while Kennedy was also in good touch against GWS.