SUMMARY
The Kangaroos face another tricky assignment to keep their finals hopes alive, this week taking on the dangerous Lions. When the teams met at the same venue in round 23 last year, it was to see who would finish last, but this time around there's much more on the line. North Melbourne continued to walk the finals tightrope with a crucial win over West Coast last Sunday, led superbly by the brilliant midfield of Ben Cunnington, Paul Ahern and Shaun Higgins, the latter of whom will miss this clash after knee surgery. The Lions slipped on their recent hot streak last weekend, losing to Geelong by seven goals, but the scoreline flattered the hosts. Brisbane has shown flair with the ball and been a tough opponent all season, particularly at the Gabba. Although the Kangaroos have had the upper hand in this contest of late, winning comfortably earlier this season, this should be a close encounter.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Saturday, August 4, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R11, 2018: North Melbourne 21.15 (141) d Brisbane 12.15 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2017: North Melbourne 19.16 (130) d Brisbane 11.13 (79) at the Gabba
R2, 2016: North Melbourne 17.15 (117) d Brisbane 11.17 (83) at the Gabba
R17, 2015: North Melbourne 16.14 (110) d Brisbane 5.8 (38) at the Gabba
R2, 2015: North Melbourne 20.13 (133) d Brisbane 7.9 (51) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In round 11 the Kangaroos had more disposals, scoring shots, won the inside 50s and clearances. Shaun Higgins starred with 38 disposals, seven inside 50s and six clearances.
2. No team has tackled less this season than the Lions, averaging 58.4 a game. The Kangaroos are ranked 12th in the same category.
3. North Melbourne has dominated Brisbane recently, winning the past five matches and eight of the past 10, including six by more than 50 points. The Lions hold a 13-7 advantage at the Gabba.
4. No team has kicked the ball less this season than the Kangaroos, with an average of 200.8 a game. Brisbane is eighth for kicks.
5. Both teams have been popular with the umpires this season; North Melbourne is second for free kicks with an average of 23 a game, just ahead of the Lions in fourth at an average of 22.6.
6. Dayne Beams is roaring up the Schick AFL Player Ratings. With 37 disposals last week, the midfielder has climbed to 62nd overall after starting the year at 271st.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …
After a rollercoaster first seven seasons in the AFL, North Melbourne defender Marley Williams will play his 100th game. Williams played five years with Collingwood before being traded to the Kangaroos, where he has now found a permanent home in a finals-contending outfit.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by nine points.
