THE Brisbane Lions haven't played finals since 2009, but it's their absence from the top eight for nearly four seasons that has them in line to grab an unwanted record.

Barring an unprecedented surge in the second half of this year, the Lions will stay outside the eight and break Melbourne's record for consecutive weeks outside the top bracket of the ladder.

The Demons were a poor side from 2007 until well into this Paul Roos-led resurgence. So when did they break into the top eight and end their streak?

It was round one, 2011 when they grabbed an unlikely draw against the Swans at the MCG. With both sides having identical percentages at the end of the round, the Demons grabbed eighth spot purely by dint of Melbourne coming alphabetically before Sydney!

It wouldn't last though - the Dees were soundly thrashed by Hawthorn the next week and dropped out of the eight once more.

Check out who else is challenging history this weekend.