Greater Western Sydney hit some good form prior to the bye and will start this contest as a warm favourite.
After struggling for much of the season with a heavy injury toll and some patchy form, the Giants sprang back to life with a strong win over the Crows in Adelaide followed by a resounding thumping of Gold Coast before having a week off.
With the midfield, led by Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel, Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield, back to its best, and forward Jeremy Cameron finding his best form of the season, GWS again looks a formidable combination.
Despite winning just one game all season, the Lions have been more than competitive, particularly at the Gabba, and should push the Giants.
Harris Andrews is one of the in-form defenders of the competition, while Dayne Zorko and Dayne Beams provide an elite midfield punch.
The Lions might give Leon Cameron's men a scare, but with a top-eight spot to chase, the Giants will take on the challenge.
WHERE AND WHEN:
The Gabba, Saturday, June 23, 4.35pm AEST
LAST FIVE MEETINGS:
R6, 2018, Greater Western Sydney 10.17 (77) d Brisbane Lions 5.13 (43) at Spotless Stadium
R14, 2017, Greater Western Sydney 22.14 (146) d Brisbane Lions 12.14 (86) at the Gabba
R17, 2016, Greater Western Sydney 22.14 (146) d Brisbane Lions 9.13 (67) at the Gabba
R10, 2015, Greater Western Sydney 14.13 (97) d Brisbane Lions 10.7 (67) at Spotless Stadium
R13, 2014, Greater Western Sydney 19.11 (125) d Brisbane Lions 12.8 (80) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was tough and low scoring between the sides earlier this season, but the Giants won most categories that counted, including disposals (424-357), marks (120-96), scoring shots (27-18) and clearances (34-27).
2. Brisbane has been a tough opponent at the Gabba this season. Although losing five of six matches, four of those have been by less than four goals and two by single figures.
3. The match-up between Lions defender Harris Andrews and Giants forward Jeremy Cameron will be an exciting one. Andrews is rated by Champion Data as the No.1 key defender in the competition this season. While Cameron is in top form, having slotted six goals last game.
4. One possible advantage for the Lions could be centre clearances. Stefan Martin is ranked sixth for hit-outs and his team is eighth for centre clearances compared to the Giants who are equal 14th.
5. Giants Vice-Captain Stephen Coniglio is set to return for Round 14 against the Lions after missing the Giants' last match with concussion.
6. Saturday's NEAFL match will be the first curtain-raiser at the Gabba in 2018. More details can be found here.
It's a big week for.. Dayne Zorko
After learning how to fight his way through tags this season, Dayne Zorko should get another test this weekend.
In the past two meetings between the clubs, Zorko has had a low five and 10 disposals respectively. The Lions will need more from its captain if it wants to cause an upset.
