MELBOURNE and Brisbane kick off round five at the MCG in what shapes as a potentially season-defining clash for the visitors.
The Lions brushed aside North Melbourne to secure its first win of the season but will now face a tougher test against the Demons while also confronting its own MCG hoodoo.
DEMONS v LIONS Follow it LIVE
The Lions have won only three of their past 28 matches at the venue, but two of those victories have at least come against the Demons, including a semi-final in 2022.
Melbourne made a statement by defeating both South Australian sides on their home turf in the past two weeks and can now eye a fifth straight victory to be in a commanding position heading into a bye.
The Demons' stars have been shining in their bright start to the season but they will need to be wary of a Lions side still with their backs to the wall.
The visitors go into the clash unchanged, while Melbourne will unveil debutant Koltyn Tholstrup to replace suspended forward Kysaiah Pickett.
Both sides had slight injury concerns to star players heading into the match, but Zac Bailey and Clayton Oliver have been cleared to play in Thursday night's match.
Melbourne v Brisbane at the MCG, 7.30pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Taj Woewodin
Brisbane: James Tunstill
