1. Can Stef cash in?

Big Stef Martin is back to the solo ruck role that saw him reach career-best form over recent years, and he comes up against an Eagles team devoid of their top two ruckmen Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett. The Martin-West combo experiment of the past month just hasn’t worked for the Lions, and coach Justin Leppitsch has challenged Martin to step up to the plate and play a dominant role, which will be key to a Gabba upset.

2. Will another young Queenslander make an impact?

First-year key tall Eric Hipwood becomes the latest in a long line of debutants in recent times when he steps out on the Gabba. The lanky Sunshine Coaster, taken at No.14 in the 2015 National Draft, has been consistently good in reserves and continues to grow in stature – literally – having added 4cm to his height since joining the Club as a 200cm graduate from the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy. Leppitsch said “the eel”, who can play forward or back and has speed, pulled down a screamer at training during the week and he will be looking for similar form in his first AFL game.

3. How long will the effort last?

The “switch on-switch off” nature of the Lions this year has been a big frustration to fans and coaching staff alike – the team can go through periods during games when they look great and dominate (think Sydney, Hawthorn, Gold Coast – even the opening 10 minutes against Fremantle) but then seemingly “stop” at the drop of a hat. Both injured star Dayne Beams and coach Leppitsch have talked in the media this week about this issue being a major focus in the team review … and to win this – or any game – the Lions will have to tackle it head on. The home team will take heart from having kicked over 100 points against the Eagles in Perth in this year’s season opener but they cannot afford to go into their shell at any stage this week in front of the Gabba home crowd.

4. Can Kennedy be stopped?

The Lions have a nasty habit of regularly conceding bags against key forwards – and they face no bigger threat than a West Coast forward line packing Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling. Veteran Dan Merrett will be relishing the job on Kennedy and his leadership will be crucial with Harris Andrews missing with a groin injury. Merrett has played key roles on a number of the game’s biggest names over the years, and a vintage performance from “Rog” this week against one of the Coleman Medal favourites is crucial to a Lions win.      

5. Which West Coast will turn up?

Flat track bullies at home, all at sea on the road – the “experts” have been relentless in their criticism of West Coast this season but the Gabba has been a happy hunting ground for the Eagles in recent years, having won four of their past five games in Brisbane. The visitors will be hurting after a final quarter fade out saw them lose to Adelaide in Perth last week, so the Lions will need to be braced for an outfit looking to bounce back and make a statement.


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