Collingwood is one of the early-season surprise packets and the Brisbane Lions are yet to secure their first win, but this looms as a danger game for the Magpies.
Fresh off blockbuster wins against Adelaide and Essendon on Anzac Day, Collingwood enhanced its reputation with a gritty performance against Richmond before a late fade.
They head to the Gabba with a 3-3 win-loss record and, despite sporting a white-hot midfield, Magpies have injury concerns that may tilt the balance of favouritism ever-so-slightly.
The Lions have been ultra-competitive in the opening six weeks despite failing to register a win.
They have matched their opponents most weeks in contested footy and clearances with ruckman Stefan Martin a central figure to this.
The Lions will head to the Gabba this Sunday desperate to showcase their improvements and bring home the four points.
That all said, if the Magpies want to see September action, these are the types of games they simply cannot lose.
When and where:
The Gabba, Sunday, May 6, 4.40pm AEST
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Last five meetings:
R10, 2017, Collingwood 18.21 (129) d Brisbane Lions 13.6 (84) at the MCG
R8, 2016, Collingwood 20.23 (143) d Brisbane Lions 10.5 (65) at the MCG
R1, 2015, Collingwood 12.14 (86) d Brisbane Lions 11.8 (74) at the Gabba
R21, 2014, Brisbane Lions 18.15 (123) d Collingwood 8.8 (56) at the MCG
R10, 2013, Collingwood 14.16 (100) d Brisbane Lions 7.9 (51) at the Gabba
The five points
1. Collingwood has won the past three matches against the Lions. The two teams have played 44 times with the Magpies holding a 25-19 advantage. But at the Gabba it is a different story with the Lions leading 11-8.
2. The 2018 season has been a challenging one thus far for Dayne Zorko who has come up against a hard tag most weeks. With Collingwood's
3. The Magpies' star ruckman, Brodie Grundy is in doubt for Sunday's clash at the Gabba as he battles shin soreness. Grundy is currently ranked first amongst the ruckman in the AFL Players Ratings.
4. Luke Hodge is expected to return to the Lions' backline this weekend after a planned rest in Round 6. Hodge will be a welcome return while Nick Robertson will miss the match due to suspension.
5. Wayward kicking proved to be the Lions' weak spot last weekend. With plenty of goalkicking practice throughout this week, accuracy will be a focus for the team come Sunday.
Zorko concedes that taggers have proved a big challenge to his game this season. Last year's All Australian has had a slow start to the season, averaging just 15 disposals a match.
Ranked fifth amongst the AFL's best midfielders according to the AFL Players Ratings, Zorko will be looking to find a way to lift this weekend to help his side chase their first win.
"Depending on the who the opponent is each week, every tagger has their weaknesses, so it's analysing them and working to my strengths," Zorko told RSN radio on Tuesday morning.
