After drought-breaking victories over Essendon and Richmond in the last fortnight, the Lions have made just one change to their team with debutant Matt Austin replacing Troy Selwood, who suffered a heavy head knock against the Tigers.
Polkinghorne, playing his fourth game in succession, said Adelaide was a quality side that he expected to bounce back strongly after back-to-back losses.
"No doubt they will take it right up to us. It's going to be a cracking game," he said.
"We'll go into the game focused on what we can do and try to limit their strengths.
"Our game style is starting to piece together. It's going to be an exciting game and we need every member and supporter we can get to come along."
The Crows were beaten by the Western Bulldogs last Sunday but have stuck with the same team.
THE TEAMS
Brisbane Lions
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Sam Sheldon, Joel Macdonald, Josh Drummond
C: Jared Brennan, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Cheynee Stiller, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Travis Johnstone, Jed Adcock
I/C: Scott Harding, James Polkinghorne, Albert Proud, Matt Austin
In: Austin
Out: Troy Selwood (concussion)
Adelaide
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Michael Doughty
HB: Andrew McLeod, Andy Otten, Nathan van Berlo
C: Richard Douglas, Scott Thompson, David Mackay
HF: Brent Reilly, Taylor Walker, Bernie Vince
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Scott Stevens
Foll: Brad Moran, Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Brad Symes, Chris Knights, Jared Petrenko, Patrick Dangerfield
No change
ON THE PUNT
Bookmakers have installed the Lions as firm favourites, listed at $1.30 to Adelaide’s $3.30. The better bet looks to be the Lions by less than 39.5 points at $2.25. The Lions have a recent history of close battles against the Crows and the trend could continue. Elsewhere around the competition, Fremantle is the favourite against reigning premier Hawthorn. Three weeks ago, Freo coach Mark Harvey was in the gun but now his team are $1.85 to the Hawks' $1.90 for the Subiaco Oval clash.
KEY MATCH-UP
Jason Porplyzia (Adelaide) v Ashley McGrath (Brisbane Lions)
While the Crows have battled for avenues to goal in 2009, small forward Porplyzia has been an exception. He has 18 goals and just one behind in seven games, proving he doesn’t need many possessions inside 50 to hurt the opposition. With his exceptional speed, McGrath looks a good match-up for the 177cm Porplyzia and his ability to break from defence will keep the dangerous Crow honest. If Porplyzia gets the better of McGrath, expect Joel Macdonald to move onto him.
ODDS AND SODS
While everyone looks to how the Lions will spread their goalkicking workload, the back six have quietly gone about forming a brick wall through the opening seven rounds. Behind St Kilda and Geelong, the Lions are the most miserly, conceding a tick under 90 points a contest.
Despite disappointing losses in the past fortnight, Adelaide can come to the Gabba safe in the knowledge it is unbeaten on the road in 2009. The Crows are 3-0 after interstate victories against Collingwood, Melbourne and Fremantle so far this season. However, they are facing a Lions outfit that have started 3-1 at home.
Since the Lions made their last grand final appearance in 2004, they have had all sorts of trouble scoring against the Crows. In five matches they have averaged just 69 points, with last year’s 83 the top effort.
AND THE WINNER IS...
Brisbane Lions. It’s hard to go past the home team this time. Adelaide invariably provides the Lions with a dour scrap but injured defender Nathan Bock’s absence is huge for the Crows. While Ben Rutten is one of the best stoppers in the league, the Lions have both Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw up and running in the forward line.
The Lions also have a settled line-up with Mitch Clark excelling in the ruck and their defence is proving hard to penetrate. On the other hand, Adelaide is still trying to implement a faster game plan but is struggling to put winning scores on the board. The contested ball will be tough but the Lions should get the points.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
