FORM GUIDE
The Lions are arguably in their best form for the season, having won three of their past four matches – two of which came against last year’s finalists.

Melbourne, on the other hand, have sung the club song just twice in 2013, with wins against Greater Western Sydney (18th) and the Western Bulldogs (15th).

However, the Demons seem to be reinvigorated following a mid-season coaching change, and have proven a far more competitive outfit over the past month since caretaker Neil Craig has taken over the reins.

Although the Lions head into the Round 17 clash as warm favourites, there is also an air of unpredictability surrounding the match considering it’s being played in Darwin, where slippery and humid conditions are expected.

Plus, the Lions have already shown this season that they can be vulnerable when entering a match as favourites. Just ask the Western Bulldogs…

SELECTION TABLE
There’s not a lot to report from the selection table this week, with both sides opting for just the one change.

The Lions have recalled Elliot Yeo to the senior side at the expense of James Polkinghorne, while Melbourne have replaced Daniel Nicholson with young midfielder Jack Viney.

Lions midfield pair Simon Black and Brent Moloney were hopeful of returning from injury to face the Demons, but ultimately failed to prove their fitness at training.

It’s particularly disappointing for Moloney, who will now miss the return bout against his former side.

KEY MATCH-UPS
Melbourne Captain Jack Trengove and Lions midfielder Jack Redden both do plenty of the grunt work in the middle and will no doubt find themselves opposed to each other on more than one occasion this Saturday night.

The two Jacks lead the tackle count for their respective sides, with Redden laying more tackles this season (105) than any other player in the AFL competition.

With a heavily contested game predicted considering the conditions, expect both Redden and Trengove to play key roles in forcing the ball forward.

Dayne Zorko lit the Gabba alight with 29 disposals and seven scoring shots when these two sides last met back in Round 5, and Demons rookie Mitch Clisby, who has emerged as a promising small defender in recent weeks, looks set to be given the task of minding the dangerous Lions forward.

With the Darwin conditions not suited for marking forwards, shutting down Zorko could go a long way towards the Demons causing an upset.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
In the absence of Simon Black and Brent Moloney, Tom Rockliff was thrust back into the Lions’ engine room against the Kangaroos and produced a stunning midfield performance.

Rockliff had a team-high 28 disposals, eight clearances and 11 tackles, which went a long way towards the team’s come-from-behind victory.

The 2011 Club Champion has played predominantly up forward in recent months, but reminded everyone of just how dangerous he can be when he’s in the middle of the action.

Jeremy Howe is more than just a human highlight reel – he’s also a fine footballer.

Even though he plays more as a third forward option, Howe is the Demons’ most potent weapon in attack, testament to his team-high 23 goals this season – which is 11 more than his next best teammate.

Howe has also taken a team-high 94 marks this season, averages close to 15 touches per game, and should feature prominently in Melbourne’s 2013 Best & Fairest vote count.

MISSING IN ACTION
Black and Moloney remain the most notable absentees from the Lions’ side, which is otherwise close to full strength.

Melbourne’s injury list has hit double figures; with former Lion Mitch Clark (foot) and All Australian ruckman Mark Jamar (foot) their biggest name casualties.

RECENT HISTORY
The Lions might have won their past three encounters with Melbourne by an average margin of 43 points, but they have never faced the Demons, or any AFL side for that matter, for premiership points at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

The Lions most recent visit to the Top End came during the 2012 NAB Cup series, when they were beaten comfortably by Adelaide.

Melbourne, meanwhile, have won two of their three home matches played in Darwin and will be even more familiar with the venue after spending a considerable amount of time there throughout the pre-season.