SUMMARY
A week ago this looked like a total mismatch with the winless Lions playing a Power outfit that was warming up with three straight wins. However, the Lions have a bit of pep in their step after their breakthrough victory over Carlton at the weekend. Skipper Tom Rockliff is back, Dayne Beams continued an excellent first season at the club and young forward Dan McStay showed promise with four goals against the Blues. Conversely, Port Adelaide suffered an unexpected loss against West Coast and will be desperate to bounce back to stay in touch with the top four. The Power look to have loads too much class though, and providing they don't take it easy on this Sunday twilight game, should win comfortably.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Sunday, May 17, 4.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2014, Port Adelaide 24.15 (159) d Brisbane Lions 7.4 (46) at Adelaide Oval
R18, 2013, Port Adelaide 9.17 (71) d Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62) at AAMI Stadium
R22, 2012, Brisbane Lions 16.8 (104) d Port Adelaide 14.9 (93) at AAMI Stadium
R15, 2011, Brisbane Lions 15.9 (99) d Port Adelaide 13.10 (88) at the Gabba
R3, 2010, Brisbane Lions 16.12 (108) d Port Adelaide 11.15 (81) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Port Adelaide's 113-point win in 2014 was a club record against the Lions. Jay Schulz booted seven goals, and captain Travis Boak starred with 41 disposals and one goal.
2. The Lions continue to kick the ball less than any team in 2015, ranked 18th with 187.8 kicks a game. The Power is equal-fifth with 209 a game.
3. This will be the 30th contest between the clubs, with the Lions holding a slender 14-13 advantage. There have been two draws. They have an 8-4 advantage at the Gabba (with two draws).
4. The Lions have the worst defensive record in 2015, conceding 111 points a game, while Port Adelaide has also struggled, ranked 12th at 88.6 a game.
5. The Lions are also struggling to get the ball to their forward, ranked 17th for inside 50s with just 45.8 a game. Port Adelaide has only been marginally better with 48.7 a game, ranked 12th.
6. Robbie Gray has moved to a career-high 17th place in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Gray had 25 disposals, seven marks and eight tackles in the loss against West Coast.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Daniel Rich
After a strong start to the season, Rich was almost anonymous against Carlton last week, being kept to an equal career-low of eight disposals. While he'd be happy to trade a quiet game for a win, if the Lions are any shot of troubling Port Adelaide, the Lions must find a way to get Rich involved from half-back, where he can damage with his run and penetrating left boot.
PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 45 points
