The historic Sydney Cricket Ground will play host to this pivotal 2^nd vs 3^rd clash, with the Lions fresh from a bye week hoping to make it five wins on the trot to start Season 2017. It will be no easy task however, as the Swans are bolstered with the return of key forward Kurt Tippett back from a hip injury, as well as Brandon Jack and James Rose from the 0-5 senior side. The experienced Jarrad McVeigh and ruckman Callum Sinclair have also been named on an extended bench. The Lions have named a strong line-up themselves, with a full complement of AFL-listed players making the trek to Moore Park on Sunday morning.

WHERE AND WHEN

9.30am, Sunday 7 May
Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

FORM

Sydney Swans (3^rd): LWWW
Brisbane Lions (2^nd): WWWW

LAST TIME THEY MET

Round 1, 2017: Brisbane Lions 17.9 (111) d Sydney Swans 12.13 (85) @ Blacktown ISP
Round 19, 2016: Sydney Swans 24.16 (160) d Brisbane Lions 3.7 (25) @ Blacktown ISP
Round 5, 2016: Sydney Swans 20.15 (135) d Brisbane Lions 3.7 (25) @ Coorparoo

TWO THIRDS

It’s the second match in a row the Lions take on the 3^rd placed team, having comfortably accounted for the Suns in Round 4 who have subsequently tumbled down the ladder to 6^th. In that match Marco Paparone (34 disposals, 12 marks) starred, earning him a call up to the seniors this week. Draftee and Academy product Jacob Allison (29 disposals) was also outstanding.

BUILD THAT WALL

The Lions coaching staff will be pleased their boys lead a number of key stat areas so far this NEAFL season, including contested marks (49) and kicking efficiency (72%). But a stat area the Lions may well be glad they’re dead last in is rebound 50s, as a game style of short and direct kicking to dominate possession and a steadfast defensive structure means the opposition has struggled to break down the Lions wall and get anywhere near the goals.

IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…

Matt Eagles. Having starred in the South East Queensland comp as a ruck/forward for Yeronga, The Recruit has been morphed into a dependable fullback for a Lions NEAFL side which has conceded the least amount of points of any team this season. Not only have his lockdown abilities been solid, his disposal efficiency currently sits at 82%, 6th in the NEAFL this season for players who have played 4 or more games. This week it’s a case of where Eagles dare, as he will likely share the duties of minding Tippett with Jack Frost. The 199cm Eagles has made some big strides, but winning this one-on-one battle may be his biggest step forward yet.

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In: Reuben William, Ryan Bastinac, Cedric Cox, Liam Dawson

Out: Marco Paparone, Alex Witherden. 

*Please note that the team to be finalised on Friday afternoon when the AFL team is finalised.