A few weeks ago this looked like an automatic four points for the Lions, but not any more. Melbourne is riding high after its first win of the season over GWS, while for the second time in the opening four rounds, the Lions were simply uncompetitive, losing to North Melbourne. With the vultures starting to circle around Michael Voss in the final year of his contract, the Lions need to stand up and defend their home turf – a task made more difficult following the suspension of in-form Irishman Pearce Hanley. Conversely, Mark Neeld has taken a brief step out of the pressure-cooker this week and could ease tensions even further with an upset at the Gabba.
WHERE AND WHEN: Gabba, Sunday April 28, 3.15pm
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 14, 2012, Brisbane Lions18.14 (122) d Melbourne 8.13 (61) at the Gabba
Rd 1, 2012, Brisbane Lions 17.17 (119) d Melbourne 11.12 (78) at the MCG
Rd 3, 2011, Melbourne 12.10 (82) d Brisbane Lions 11.5 (71) at the MCG
Rd 18, 2010, Melbourne 11.8 (74) d Brisbane Lions 9.10 (64) at the Gabba
Rd 5, 2010, Melbourne 15.13 (103) d Brisbane Lions 7.11 (53) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Lions comfortably defeated Melbourne twice in 2012; winning by 41 points in round one at the MCG and by 61 in round 14 at the Gabba.
2. It’s a mixed recent history between the clubs, with three wins each since 2009. The Lions haven't defeated Melbourne three times in a row since 2003-05.
3. Melbourne does not enjoy a good recent record interstate, losing six of its past seven and 10 of its past 15 in total.
4. The last three times the Lions and Melbourne have met in round five, the Demons have won by 64, 87 and 50 points.
5. Neither team has been strong offensively this season, with the Lions ranked last for total points kicked, and Melbourne third last.
6. At the other end of the ground, Melbourne has conceded the most points and the Lions the third most.
