Both teams head to the Gabba eager for victory after first-up losses.
Melbourne went down in heartbreaking fashion to Geelong with Max Gawn's late miss, while the Lions were right in their match with St Kilda before being overrun in the fourth-quarter.
Despite losing, the Lions will take plenty from their performance against the Saints, particularly the dominance in clearances.
Stefan Martin's ruck battle with Gawn – featuring two big men with contrasting styles – promises to be a highlight, as will the on-field meeting between great mates Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis.
Brisbane is expected to continue to improve
The Demons are fancied to break through and make the top eight this season, and these are the types of matches they have to win.
They had an avalanche of inside 50s against the Cats and weren't able to capitalise.
Where and When
The Gabba, Saturday, March 31, 6.25pm AEST
Last Five Times
R22, 2017, Melbourne 16.8 (104) d Brisbane 14.7 (91) at the MCG
R9, 2016, Melbourne 19.17 (131) d Brisbane 9.14 (68) at the MCG
R16, 2015, Melbourne 8.12 (60) d Brisbane 4.12 (36) at the MCG
R19, 2014, Brisbane 11.8 (74) d Melbourne 6.15 (51) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2013, Brisbane 13.16 (94) d Melbourne 11.9 (75) at TIO Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. It's been five years since Melbourne travelled to the Gabba to play the Lions on home turf. In 2013, the Lions surged to a 28-point win in front a home crowd, an event the Lions will look to replicate this Saturday.
2. It'll be a big game for Allen Christensen who is set to reach his 100 game milestone, after nearly two years of sitting on the sidelines with 98 games next to his name. Christensen's return from injury last weekend was one to remember, kicking his first AFL goal since 2016.
3. The Brisbane Lions will be forced to make at least two changes for Saturday's match, with Mitch Robinson suspended and Daniel Rich injured. No. 15 draft pick Zac Bailey could be a likely debutant, while Jacob Allison, Tom Cutler and Rhys Mathieson are also on the cards to play their first Senior game for 2018.
4. The ruck duel should be fascinating. Max Gawn is the top-ranked ruckman in the Official AFL Player Ratings, while Stefan Martin is sixth in that category (and 54th overall). Martin dominated in the ruck during Round 1, propelling the Lions to a big win in clearances with 42 hit-outs (14 to advantage).
5. Jarrod Berry has returned to the new season in excellent form, kicking three goals in Round 1 against St Kilda. With a debut season under his belt, fans can look forward to seeing a greater impact and improvement from Berry this year.
6. No team kicked the ball less in Round 1 than Melbourne's 185. They were one of just three teams to have less than 200 kicks and were equal 13th for disposals in the opening round.
It's a big week for…Luke Hodge
Not only it is Luke Hodge's first home game for his new club, but it's the first time he's played at the Gabba in 10 years.
The last time Hodge played in Brisbane, Lance Franklin kicked eight goals and helped the Hawks to a win.
Hodge has seen everything in the game, but singing the Lions song would be a nice way to greet his new fan base.
