The Brisbane Lions have broken a number of hoodoos in their time under Chris Fagan, and they’ll need to break yet another if they wish to defeat Geelong on their home deck this Friday.
The Lions last beat Geelong at GMHBA in 2003, in what would be their third consecutive premiership winning season. Friday’s result, however, is set to be a talking point across the AFL, with the loser facing an 0-2 start to the season.
3. A Geelong midfield without Danger
A major story across the AFL this week has been Patrick Dangerfield’s 3-match ban after a high bump on Adelaide’s Jake Kelly in Round 1. The tribunal classified the hit as ‘severe’, ruling the Brownlow medallist out of upcoming matches against the Lions, Hawthorn and Melbourne.
Friday looms as a test for Geelong’s midfield, who will be coming into the game without Dangerfield or running machine Mitch Duncan. It leaves the door open for youngsters Jordan Clark and Charlie Constable to cement their spot in Chris Scott’s best team while providing an experienced Lions midfield with the opportunity to amend last week's performance against Sydney.
2. Two teams looking for their first win of 2021
In a surprising twist to the start of the 2021 season, Brisbane and Geelong suffered shock losses at the hands of Sydney and Adelaide respectively. Statistically, 58 teams have gone 0-2 since the 2010 season. Only five of them have gone on to play finals.
Following an impressive finals series last year for both sides, Friday’s clash holds the key for one team to correct their season… and for the other, another tough week of meetings, questions and magnet shuffling.
1. The Missing Linc
Lincoln McCarthy will return to GMHBA Stadium for the first time as a Lion on Friday night. After an injury-ravaged seven-year career at Geelong where he only managed 29 games, McCarthy revived his career at the Lions, missing only 4 games since arriving.
While Friday will be the fourth time the livewire forward plays against his old side, McCarthy will be eager to put on a good show for the Geelong crowd. A fan favourite at both clubs, Geelong fans will be hoping his heroic efforts in Round 23 of the 2019 season don’t repeat themselves.
For all information on tonight's away game vs. Geelong Cats, head to our Match Centre.
