SUMMARY
Two teams battling with injuries and two teams coming off hidings – it all points to a gripping contest on Sunday afternoon. The Lions lost their third straight match to open the season against Richmond last week, and were overrun in the last quarter. Conversely, the Eagles were blown off Domain Stadium in the first quarter and never troubled Fremantle in the Derby. If there's one team their decimated defence – missing Mitch Brown, Eric Mackenzie and now Jeremy McGovern – can handle, it's the undermanned and inexperienced Lions. The quality of supply to West Coast powerhouse Josh Kennedy might just determine the outcome of this one, as he is clearly the best forward in either team, and capable of kicking a winning score himself.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Sunday, April 26, 1.10pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2014, West Coast 11.10 (76) d Brisbane Lions 9.10 (64) at the Gabba
R7, 2013, West Coast 17.6 (108) d Brisbane Lions 12.10 (82) at the Gabba
R18, 2012, West Coast 28.7 (175) d Brisbane Lions 12.5 (77) at Domain Stadium
R10, 2012, Brisbane Lions 16.6 (102) d West Coast 15.10 (100) at the Gabba
R23, 2011, West Coast 13.11 (89) d Brisbane Lions 11.15 (81) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite defeating the Lions in their only match-up last year, West Coast won few of the main statistical categories. The Lions had more disposals, marks, tackles, and inside 50s. However, in Luke Shuey (30), the Eagles had the leading ball-winner on the ground.
2. The Lions have had an awful start to 2015, ranked last in both offence and defence after three rounds. They score an average of 61 points, while conceding an average of 119.
3. In 43 contests between the clubs, West Coast has dominated, winning 30-12, with one draw. Since 2010 it's four wins to three in the Eagles' favour, but three games have been decided by single figures.
4. West Coast is one of the few visiting teams to have a positive win-loss record at the Gabba, winning 10 of 18 games. They have won three of the past four.
5. The Lions have struggled to get their hands on the ball in 2015, ranked second last for disposals with 334.7 a game, while West Coast is equal ninth at 368 a game.
6. Nic Naitanui is on the rise again. After starting the season ranked 74th in the Official AFL Player Ratings, the Eagles ruckman has climbed to 39th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Justin Clarke. The young Lions key defender is often handed the opposition's best forward and this week it's Josh Kennedy. The athletic Eagle has a habit of kicking big bags against the weaker teams, with his 10 goals against Carlton in round two a prime example. Clarke will need plenty of help from his midfielders to stop the supply of ball, but if he has a good day, it will go a long way towards the Lions winning their first game of 2015.
