The Brisbane Lions broke their nine-year losing streak last week against the
With Eric Hipwood kicking four goals, Hugh McCluggage playing his best game for the Club and the two Daynes – Beams and Zorko – back to their best, the Lions hammered Hawthorn by 56 points to defeat the Hawks for the first time since 2009.
It's been equally as long since they've tasted success against the Swans and this time around won't be any easier, with John Longmire's men fresh from successive wins over Hawthorn and Fremantle.
Lance Franklin is back – another tantalising reunion for Luke Hodge – Jake Lloyd is fresh off a career-best 41 disposals, and Isaac Heeney continues to thrive with his increased midfield minutes.
The Lions have been highly competitive in all but one match this season and will have to be at its best to challenge the professional Swans.
Where And When:
The Gabba, Saturday, May 26, 4.35pm AEST
Last Five Meetings:
R7, 2017: Sydney Swans 20.15 (135) d Brisbane Lions 12.9 (81) at the SCG
R6, 2016: Sydney Swans 15.7 (97) d Brisbane Lions 14.10 (94) at the Gabba
R15, 2015: Sydney Swans 10.10 (70) d Brisbane Lions 7.7 (49) at the Gabba
R7, 2014: Sydney Swans 18.15 (123) d Brisbane Lions 6.8 (44) at the Gabba
R6, 2013: Sydney Swans 17.13 (115) d Brisbane Lions 8.7 (55) at the SCG
The Six Points
1. Dayne Zorko will lead the Lions as captain since Dayne Beams' decision to step down from the role.
2. After his third straight big game, Zorko has now moved to fourth overall in the AFL Players Ratings. The Lions midfielder now trails only Patrick Dangerfield, Dustin Martin and Lance Franklin.
3. It was Buddy's day when the teams last played, finishing with 16 kicks, nine marks and eight goals. Stefan Martin starred for the Lions with 21 disposals and 40 hit-outs.
4. The Lions' young guns have produced some of their career-best games in recent weeks. Alex Witherden was this week's Rising Star nominee.
5. Harris Andrews is second in the league for one
6. Chris Fagan made no team changes from Round 8 to Round 9. After a winning result on Sunday, it seems unlikely that any changes will be made for Saturday's clash.
It's A Big Week For… Harris Andrews
Any time you play the Swans, slowing down Buddy is a big ask, and this week that task will go to Harris Andrews.
The young Lions fullback was exceptional against Hawk Jarryd Roughead last Sunday, but with Franklin's speed and ability to move up the ground, this week is a whole new proposition.
Following yesterday's announcement of Beams indefinitely stepping down as captain, Andrews will step up to fill the Vice-Captaincy role.
Saturday will be an important day for Andrews to showcase his maturity and development.
