SUMMARY
The equation is simple for Melbourne: win its final two games and it will play finals for the first time since 2006. That quest starts this Sunday at the MCG against the 18th-placed Lions, with the Demons fully expected to take care of business and win comfortably. However, most Melbourne players have never been in this kind of position before so it will be interesting to see how they handle the pressure. That said, the roles Nathan Jones and Jordan Lewis play, as two of Melbourne's most experienced players, will be integral in this weekend's result. The Lions have been reasonably competitive in recent weeks and are coming off their biggest win of the season against Gold Coast in the latest QClash at the Gabba on the weekend. If the Demons can start like they did against St Kilda, by booting six goals to one in the first term, then they will most likely to be able to break the Lions' resistance and coast to a comfortable victory.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, August 20, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2016, Melbourne 19.17 (131) d Brisbane Lions 9.14 (68) at the MCG
R16, 2015, Melbourne 8.12 (60) d Brisbane Lions 4.12 (36) at the MCG
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) the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. After 20 matches, Melbourne is the equal-highest disposal side in the competition, averaging 406 touches per game. The Demons are one of only two sides averaging more than 400 per game.
2. Melbourne and the Lions are set to clash for the 44th time, with the Demons winning 23 games to 20. The Demons have won the past two games ending the Lions' run of five consecutive wins.
3. A big advantage for the Demons could be in the contested possession category, with Simon Goodwin's team ranked second in the AFL. The Lions are ranked last in the League in that stat.
4. In Melbourne's favour is its record against the Lions at the MCG, with the Demons winning 13 games to three at the venue. The Lions last beat Melbourne at the MCG in round one, 2012.
5. The Lions' win over the Suns last weekend was the second time they have won by more than 50 points this season. However, the Lions have not won consecutive games since rounds six and seven, 2015.
6. Both Jordan Lewis and James Harmes were named in AFL.com.au's round 21 Team of the Week.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Max Gawn
The big Melbourne ruckman was mystified when he was penalised five times for ruck interference against St Kilda last week. The AFL spoke to the Demons about Gawn's technique and he has worked hard on the training track this week to fix the problem. An in-form Gawn is crucial to Melbourne's finals chances.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 35 points
