Canberra Demons (7th) v Brisbane Lions (2nd) at UNSW Canberra Oval, 12pm, Saturday 29 July.

A week is a long time in footy.

The youthful Canberra Demons reminded the masses of exactly that when they snapped a six-game losing streak two weeks ago to ensure their finals aspirations continue to flicker. They occupied a precarious position in lagging two wins outside the top six in eighth on the ladder with the most underwhelming percentage in the competition ahead of their Round 16 clash with Southport.

The NEAFL’s newest outfit still has the lowest percentage, but a pre-bye victory combined with an Aspley loss now sees the seventh-placed Demons sitting just a solitary win outside the top six with all to play for in their clash with the high-flying Lions.

The Lions have named an undermanned side, compared to what they’re used to, to face the Demons. Forward Ben Keays and Josh Schache will play at AFL level for the second week running when Brisbane meets West Coast in Perth, while fellow forward Michael Close has earned a recall to the big-time following a two-goal, 22-disposal effort against Redland on Sunday.

Up-and-coming defender Jack Payne will also be out due to injury, although Mitch Hahn’s men are expected to field around 18 AFL-listed players after their extended squad is trimmed for the Canberra clash. The second-placed Lions will look to pocket their ninth consecutive victory in a sustained quest to sew up a top-two finish. Brisbane was given a scare on the weekend in scraping home by just 18 points over the ninth-placed Redland.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 10, 2016: Canberra Demons 8.12 (60) d Brisbane Lions 2.5 (17) at UNSW Canberra Oval

TALKING POINTS

1. Victory to Brisbane would register the club’s longest winning streak in NEAFL history. The Lions strung together eight wins between Rounds 2 and 10 en route to winning the 2013 Northern Conference premiership. They also claimed their maiden NEAFL flag in 2012, but their longest winning run that year was a seven-game winning streak between Rounds 9 and 16. We could be set for history in the making in the nation’s capital.

2. To continue the theme of history, it is exactly that which will be on the Demons’ side. Canberra and Brisbane have met once – in Round 10 of last season – and it was a matter of one-way traffic as the Demons cruised to a 43-point victory at home. The win secured Canberra’s first win in history.

3. While gun Canberra on-baller Jordan Harper has gone about winning a surplus of the Sherrin time and again this season, a 19-year-old kid from the country with a ball magnet of his own has swept under the radar. Midfielder Mitch Maguire has averaged 23 disposals a game in his first NEAFL season since departing the Riverina. He also topped the disposal count for the Demons in their most recent clash when he collected 25 touches against Southport. Keep a close eye on the Round 2 NEAFL Rising Star Award winner tomorrow as he tests his might against a midfield contingent streaked with AFL-listed talent.

ROOKIE WATCH

Blossoming Brisbane forward Connor Ballenden is another exciting prospect. The 18-year-old Brisbane Lions Academy member will be up and about tomorrow after being invited to October’s NAB AFL Draft Combine. A 199-centimetre, 94-kilogram giant, Ballenden causes more than a share of problems when contesting for a pack mark and is a handy kick in front of goal. He will run out for just his third NEAFL appearance tomorrow as he looks to continue to impress under the spotlight of AFL scouts.

STATS THAT MATTER

One of the strongest arrows in Brisbane’s bow is its squeaky-clean ability off the boot. The Lions rank first for most effective kicks per game (159.6), a number gulfs ahead of the Gold Coast in second (138.7) and Canberra in eighth (117.9). It will be paramount for the Demons to apply as much pressure as possible at the contest.

TEAM

*Final team make up TBC following the naming of the Lions AFL side.

In: 47. Reuben William 41. Matt Eagles 60. Connor Ballenden 

Out: 59. Jack Payne (injured) 33. Michael Close (AFL)