Both Brisbane and Essendon head into Round 12 off the back of a loss.
Brisbane was beaten in the first half by North Melbourne before earning some pride back late in the match, while Essendon was taught a lesson by premier Richmond in the Dreamtime at the 'G contest.
For the Lions, it was just their second poor loss of the season, and with some new additions to the injury list including small forward sensation Charlie Cameron (ankle) and midfield bull Mitch Robinson (toe), their depth will be put to the test.
Dayne Beams has been peerless since stepping down from the captaincy a fortnight ago and looms as a crucial player for the Bombers to curtail.
Essendon seemed to have its season back on track with wins over Geelong and Greater Western Sydney before the Tigers got a hold of it.
Brisbane has been super competitive on its home ground this season and might just be good enough to get home in a tight one.
Where and When:
The Gabba, Sunday, June 10, 1.10pm AEST
Last Five Meetings:
R15, 2017, Brisbane Lions 13.12 (90) d Essendon 11.16 (82) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2017, Essendon 17.9 (111) d Brisbane Lions 12.12 (84) at the Gabba
R18, 2016, Brisbane Lions 20.8 (128) d Essendon 12.19 (91) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2015, Essendon 21.10 (136) d Brisbane Lions 12.6 (78) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2014, Essendon 9.11 (65) d Brisbane Lions 8.9 (57) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. Essendon led by 27 points at the five-minute mark of the final quarter when the teams last played before the Lions kicked six unanswered goals to steal victory. Eric Hipwood finished with four goals.
2. Both teams have had scoring issues in quarters this season, Brisbane
3. Not much separates these teams recently, with three wins each since 2013. Three of those matches have been decided by 10 points or less. Brisbane will be aiming for consecutive wins over the Bombers for the first time since 2005-06.
4. Both teams have struggled taking the ball inside 50 this season. Essendon is ranked 15thwith an average of 50.3 a game and Brisbane 16thaveraging 49.7.
5. The teams have played 16 times at the Gabba with Brisbane winning 10 games to six, but the Bombers have won the past three.
6. Dayne Beams has jumped 51 places in the past fortnight in the AFL Player Ratings.
Dayne Beams has proven unstoppable over the last fortnight. The skilful midfielder collected 38 disposals against Sydney, and 32 and five goals against North.
Beams' impressive form has seen him leap to 140th within the league, after jumping 51 places in the AFL Player Ratings following Round 10 and 11.
Beams was influential in the second half against North last Sunday, kicking four of his five goals in the final quarter.
With a few senior players out with injury for Round 12, Beams and fellow experienced Lions will be looking to lead the way on home turf.
