SUMMARY
Melbourne blew a golden opportunity to capitalise on a game it was expected to win against Essendon last weekend. A nine-point loss behind them, the Demons should approach Sunday's clash with the Lions in a similar frame of mind. The Lions have beaten the Demons just once at the MCG since 2000 (from four attempts). However Justin Leppitsch's team has been much improved since the returns of Pearce Hanley and Tom Rockliff from injury in recent weeks. The Lions have pushed Fremantle and the Sydney Swans in their past two outings, meaning they will count Sunday's game as a very winnable game.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, July 19, 1.10pm AEST
FOLLOW THE GAME AT THE LIONS MATCH CENTRE
PAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2014, Brisbane Lions 11.8 (74) d Melbourne 6.15 (51) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2013, Brisbane Lions 13.16 (94) d Melbourne 11.9 (75) at TIO Stadium
R5, 2013, Brisbane Lions 17.20 (122) d Melbourne 14.10 (94) at the Gabba
R14, 2012, Brisbane Lions 18.14 (122) d Melbourne 8.13 (61) at the Gabba
R1, 2012, Brisbane Lions 17.17 (119) d Melbourne 11.12 (78) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne is ranked 18th in the competition for inside 50 entries, averaging 43.3 per game. The Lions are 17th with 44.6 per game.
2. Melbourne has won 21 to the Lions' 20 in contests between the sides. However, the Lions have won the past five games.
3. Melbourne is 18th in the AFL for marks per game with 75.9, while the Lions rank 14th (84.2).
4. Melbourne has won 11 of the 14 matches between the sides at the MCG, with the Lions defeating the Demons just once at the venue since 2000.
5. Melbourne is ranked fourth in the competition for tackles (71.5 per game), while the Lions have struggled in this area and are ranked 15th with 62.9 per game.
6. Lions forward Dayne Zorko was the eighth top-ranked player in the Official AFL Player Ratings last weekend (23 points).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Stefan Martin
Martin will be lining up against his old team at the MCG on Sunday. Martin played a total of 57 games for the Demon's before being traded at the end of the 2012 Season. The big man will return to the line up after a two week suspension, and will be looking to continue his dominant form.
