What looked a ho-hum battle not so long ago has taken on a new lease of life, with the Lions and Bulldogs two of the best performing teams in the past two months. The Lions have won six of their past nine, while the Bulldogs are four from their past seven. Both have competed strongly against top-four teams and have breathed life into the second half of the season. The Bulldogs are fresh off victories over Carlton and Adelaide and look a rejuvenated force with powerhouse Tom Campbell up front and a rampant midfield. The Lions will be without prime midfielders Brent Moloney (hamstring) and Simon Black (suspension) for this one, making them a little vulnerable onball, but winning their past five at the Gabba makes them a force with any unit. Tough one to pick.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Sunday August 25, 4.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2013, Western Bulldogs 19.13 (127) d Brisbane Lions 7.17 (59) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2012, Brisbane Lions 19.14 (128) d Western Bulldogs 9.7 (61) at the Gabba
R13, 2012, Brisbane Lions 18.6 (114) d Western Bulldogs 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2011, Western Bulldogs 19.9 (123) d Brisbane Lions 6.9 (45) at Etihad Stadium
R12, 2010, Western Bulldogs 17.19 (121) d Brisbane Lions 8.8 (56) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Bulldogs thrashed the Lions in round one at Etihad Stadium, winning by 68 points. Ryan Griffen starred for the Dogs with 27 possessions and two goals.
2. The Lions have won two of the last three clashes but the Bulldogs have won five of eight contests since 2009.
3. Recent contests between the teams have been absolute blowouts. The past five games have been decided by 65, 78, 58, 67 and 68 points.
4. This will be the 47th clash between the clubs, with the Bulldogs holding a 27-19 advantage. The Lions hold sway at the Gabba 11-8.
5. The Bulldogs' turnaround in recent weeks has been quite dramatic. From rounds 1-15 they averaged just 78 points for per contest. Since then they have boosted that to 104 points per match.
6. The teams appear well matched in the midfield, with both having three players in the top 50 of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Daniel Rich (15), Jack Redden (39) and Dayne Zorko (43) fly the Lions flag, up against Ryan Griffen (9), Matthew Boyd (25) and Tom Liberatore (46).
