If statistics are anything to go by, the Brisbane Lions’ forward line could prove their trump card against the Bulldogs this Saturday.

The Lions comfortably lead the Dogs in goals scored and accuracy in 2012, and the teams are level on goal assists.

After 12 rounds the Lions have booted 130 goals and 87 behinds, while their opponents this weekend have kicked 113 majors and 107 points.

Therefore, the Lions are kicking for goal with a healthy 60% success rate whereas the Bulldogs are converting at only 51%.

The Dogs were especially wasteful in front of the big sticks against Port last weekend (13.17), while the Lions made the most of limited opportunities to slot 11.4.

A look at the likely line-ups of the teams also makes for encouraging reading for Lions supporters.

Brisbane has 5 players who’ve kicked ten or more majors in 2012 (Brown, Merrett, Cornelius, Rockliff, Rich) while the home team’s line up will feature only two (Daniel Giansiracusa and Shaun Higgins).

This, combined with the recent good form of pint-sized goalsneaks Dayne Zorko and Josh Green, means the Dogs’ back six will have their hands full at Etihad Stadium.

But Lions defender Josh Drummond, who’s potted 3 goals straight for the year, believes the Dog’s attack will prove similarly difficult for his team’s backline.

“Ayce Cordy kicked a few goals on the weekend, and they’ve got some guys who can take some marks,” Drummond says.

“I rate them very highly; they’ve embraced a new coaching structure and game plan. The last few weeks their competitiveness and attack on the footy seems to be really good.”

While the southerners don’t have a mature power forward in the same class as Jonathon Brown, Drummond is impressed with their spread of players registering goals.

“One of their big strengths is they share the load [of goal kickers],” he says.

“It’s something we’ve been working on this year-not expecting too much from one player, so that oppositions don t just focus on that one main guy up forward.”