SUMMARY
Even after a disappointing effort against the Western Bulldogs last week, Melbourne sits just outside the top eight and has a chance to maintain or better its position against the struggling Brisbane Lions. The Demons continue to be held back by their own inconsistency and will need to fix their defensive structure after problems against the Dogs. The Lions were beaten by Collingwood on their home deck at the Gabba and are likely to head into the contest against the Demons without Dayne Beams (knee) and Tom Rockliff (hamstring).
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, May 22, 1.10pm AEST
Follow the game in the Lions Match Centre
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R16, 2015, Melbourne 8.12 (60) d Brisbane Lions 4.12 (36) at the MCG
R19, 2014, Brisbane Lions 11.8 (74) d Melbourne 6.15 (51) Etihad Stadium
R17, 2013, Brisbane Lions 13.16 (94) d Melbourne 11.9 (75) at TIO Stadium
R5, 2013, Brisbane Lions 17.20 (122) d Melbourne 14.10 (94) at the Gabba
R14, 2012, Brisbane Lions 18.14 (122) d Melbourne 8.13 (61) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Demons are the No.1 centre clearance side in 2016, averaging 15.5 per game. The Lions are ranked 16th (11.3 per game).
2. The Demons are the most accurate team in front of goal in 2016. They have kicked 129.73 at 60 per cent efficiency. The Lions are 15th with 88 goals and 105 behinds at 46.1 per cent.
3. The Lions have had consecutive losses by a combined 155 points in the past two weeks. They have booted 17 goals to 41 in those contests.
4. Melbourne and the Lions meet for the 43rd time and not much separates the sides. The Demons have won 22 games to 20. The Demons' win in 2015 was their first over the Lions since 2011.
5. Heavily in Melbourne’s favour is its record against the Lions at the MCG, with 12 wins from 15 contests at the venue.
6. Lions midfielder/forward Dayne Zorko will be the highest rated player on the MCG on Sunday according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
The Brisbane Lions
The Lions need to respond after a seriously mediocre effort against the Magpies. The boys will be wanting to bounce back with a vengeance against the Demon's at the MCG.
The boys come off the ground after a dissapointing loss against Collingwood. (Photo: AFL Media)
Trending Articles
