WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Sunday July 29, 2.40pm
LAST TIME: Brisbane Lions 16.6 (102) defeated West Coast 15.10 (100), round 10, 2012 at the Gabba
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
It was feared that West Coast's last gasp loss to the Lions in round 10 would cost them a top four spot, and so it could prove after the Eagles slipped to fifth at the end of round 17. Following a humbling 49-point loss to Adelaide, West Coast needs to regroup against a Lions team that just did enough in beating Gold Coast by 11 points last Saturday at Metricon Stadium.
THE FOUR POINTS
WEST COAST
1. West Coast has endured a tough fortnight against the AFL's top two teams, losing to the Sydney Swans (52 points) and Adelaide (49) and being dealt a midfield lesson on both occasions. Across the two games, the Eagles lost the contested-possession count (by a total of 56), the inside 50s (29) and the clearances (seven). Luke Shuey returns to a midfield that desperately needs to rediscover its hard edge.
2. Nic Naitanui this week highlighted the tactics opposition ruckmen are using to stifle his ability to run and jump at stoppages. The 22-year-old said his opponents would cross the line at centre bounces to block his approach and he expected more of the same against Ben Hudson on Sunday. Naitanui and other Eagles often point out the tactic to umpires during games and it will be interesting to see if it is deemed fair by the whistle-blowers this week.
3. The 12 goals West Coast allowed Adelaide to kick from stoppages at AAMI Stadium was the most it has conceded this season in a sign the team's defensive set-ups are cracking. Even in the 61-point loss to Essendon in round seven, the Eagles only conceded five goals from stoppages. A return to the disciplined midfield performances that were a trademark earlier in the season is required this week.
4. West Coast had its 18-game winning streak at Patersons Stadium torpedoed by the Swans in round 16, handing a number of young Eagles their first defeat on home turf. With three straight games at home, against the Lions, Fremantle and Geelong, before a showdown with Collingwood in round 22, the Eagles will be keen to reassert their dominant advantage in Perth.
BRISBANE LIONS
1. They got the four points against Gold Coast last week, but it was the Lions' worst performance for a number of weeks. They were smashed in the clearances (43-22) and tackle count (48-36) and will have to lift their intensity against the desperate Eagles.
2. For the past two years, Michael Voss has craved for the emergence of his younger brigade to create depth at the club. It finally looks to have happened. Rookie Elliot Yeo (22 disposals) was a shining light against the Suns, while unheralded teammates Ryan Harwood, Ryan Lester and Jack Crisp also contributed strongly.
3. The Lions may be missing one influential West Australian from the team that upset the Eagles in round 10, but they make up for it with the inclusion of another. Daniel Rich had 21 touches and a goal in the Lions' win at the Gabba, but while he misses with suspension, however, Simon Black - who missed in round 10 - will be available this time to play in his home state. Fair to say the Lions lose nothing there.
4. Big Ben Hudson has been a virtual lifesaver for the Lions this season, but faces his biggest test on Sunday. When the teams last met, Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui won the hit-outs 75-29, but Hudson's body-work ensured no decisive taps and allowed the Lions to cut even in the clearances. However on the vast expanses of Patersons Stadium, the 33-year-old will have to summons all of his aerobic power to match his more mobile opponents.
AFL.com.au prediction: West Coast by 45 points
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
LAST TIME: Brisbane Lions 16.6 (102) defeated West Coast 15.10 (100), round 10, 2012 at the Gabba
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
It was feared that West Coast's last gasp loss to the Lions in round 10 would cost them a top four spot, and so it could prove after the Eagles slipped to fifth at the end of round 17. Following a humbling 49-point loss to Adelaide, West Coast needs to regroup against a Lions team that just did enough in beating Gold Coast by 11 points last Saturday at Metricon Stadium.
THE FOUR POINTS
WEST COAST
1. West Coast has endured a tough fortnight against the AFL's top two teams, losing to the Sydney Swans (52 points) and Adelaide (49) and being dealt a midfield lesson on both occasions. Across the two games, the Eagles lost the contested-possession count (by a total of 56), the inside 50s (29) and the clearances (seven). Luke Shuey returns to a midfield that desperately needs to rediscover its hard edge.
2. Nic Naitanui this week highlighted the tactics opposition ruckmen are using to stifle his ability to run and jump at stoppages. The 22-year-old said his opponents would cross the line at centre bounces to block his approach and he expected more of the same against Ben Hudson on Sunday. Naitanui and other Eagles often point out the tactic to umpires during games and it will be interesting to see if it is deemed fair by the whistle-blowers this week.
3. The 12 goals West Coast allowed Adelaide to kick from stoppages at AAMI Stadium was the most it has conceded this season in a sign the team's defensive set-ups are cracking. Even in the 61-point loss to Essendon in round seven, the Eagles only conceded five goals from stoppages. A return to the disciplined midfield performances that were a trademark earlier in the season is required this week.
4. West Coast had its 18-game winning streak at Patersons Stadium torpedoed by the Swans in round 16, handing a number of young Eagles their first defeat on home turf. With three straight games at home, against the Lions, Fremantle and Geelong, before a showdown with Collingwood in round 22, the Eagles will be keen to reassert their dominant advantage in Perth.
BRISBANE LIONS
1. They got the four points against Gold Coast last week, but it was the Lions' worst performance for a number of weeks. They were smashed in the clearances (43-22) and tackle count (48-36) and will have to lift their intensity against the desperate Eagles.
2. For the past two years, Michael Voss has craved for the emergence of his younger brigade to create depth at the club. It finally looks to have happened. Rookie Elliot Yeo (22 disposals) was a shining light against the Suns, while unheralded teammates Ryan Harwood, Ryan Lester and Jack Crisp also contributed strongly.
3. The Lions may be missing one influential West Australian from the team that upset the Eagles in round 10, but they make up for it with the inclusion of another. Daniel Rich had 21 touches and a goal in the Lions' win at the Gabba, but while he misses with suspension, however, Simon Black - who missed in round 10 - will be available this time to play in his home state. Fair to say the Lions lose nothing there.
4. Big Ben Hudson has been a virtual lifesaver for the Lions this season, but faces his biggest test on Sunday. When the teams last met, Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui won the hit-outs 75-29, but Hudson's body-work ensured no decisive taps and allowed the Lions to cut even in the clearances. However on the vast expanses of Patersons Stadium, the 33-year-old will have to summons all of his aerobic power to match his more mobile opponents.
AFL.com.au prediction: West Coast by 45 points
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
