Lions.com.au takes a look at the five BIG questions ahead of our Round 21 game against Carlton at the Gabba.

Will the shared ruck duties work for the Lions?

This is a question that has been asked a few times already in 2016, firstly when Stefan Martin shared the role with Trent West and again now that Martin returns to share the duties with third gamer Archie Smith.

Martin is an elite ruck man, whose biggest strength is his ability to get around the ground. Like an additional midfielder… only weighing 103kg of pure muscle, but he has been criticised for his performance when sharing the role.

Smith might only be preparing to play his third game of AFL football, but the big man has shown his talent in two dominant performances as the sole ruck man against the likes of Port Adelaide and Adelaide.

Archie has worked in tandem with West in the NEAFL throughout the year, and it has been successful. The big man has not only been dominant in the ruck, but been able to kick a few goals up forward too.

With Smith expected to start at centre half forward, swapping with Martin in the ruck throughout the game, it will be expected that our big man hit the scoreboard.

Can the Lions roar at the Gabba?

The Lions will be looking to roar at the Gabba on Saturday, with their last win in front of their home crowd coming in Round Four against the SUNS.

After starting their Season with a series of strong performances at the Gabba, against some strong competition, the Lions have certainly dropped off, most notably since their Round 8 game against Collingwood.

Last time the Blues met the Lions at home, the Lions came away with a BIG 131 – 67 point win.

Sam Mayes walks into the Gabba rooms after the Lions defeat Carlton in 2015. (Photo: AFL Media)

Can the Lions hit the scoreboard?

The Brisbane Lions will be without young key Josh Schache, after Justin Leppitsch today announced that he will be rested for the remainder of the Season.

The Lions have named a forward line consisting of Pearce Hanley, Archie Smith, Eric Hipwood, Ryan Lester, Josh Walker and Dayne Zorko, who is our leading goal kicker in 2016 and just three goals off 100 for his career.

You can also expect Matt Hammelmann, Rhys Mathieson, Lewis Taylor and Ben Keays to spend some time up forward.

Check out our Round 21 team.

Can the Blues break their 8-game losing streak?

The last victory the Blues had was against the Brisbane Lions in Round 11 at Etihad Stadium. It was a disappointing result for the Lions, who were dominated by the Blues, going down 16.6 (102) - 9.10 (64).

First year Blue Jacob Wietering was named as Carlton’s best after taking 14 marks (3 contested) and had five rebound 50s.

Also named amongst the bests were Ed Curnow (28 disposals and one goal) and Patrick Cripps (26 disposals, six clearances and two goals).

Since this win, Carlton has lost the next eight, and last week they were defeated by St Kilda by a total of 71-points.

Will Mitch Robinson take Bryce Gibbs once more?

Last time they met, Mitch Robinson held Bryce Gibbs to a Season low of 12 disposals (Season avg. 26.5). Given this success, you’d expect Mitch Robinson to get the job on him again.

Robinson has proven himself on some of the biggest names in the game in 2016 and this week said being delisted by Carlton two years ago has motivated him for the rest of his career.

"I've used that as motivation and I'll probably keep using it for the remainder of my time up here."