SUMMARY
Which team can put last weekend's demoralising loss behind it best? Brisbane was smashed in the first half by North Melbourne before earning some pride back late in the match, while Essendon was taught a lesson by premier Richmond in the Dreamtime at the 'G contest. For the Lions it was just their second poor loss of the season, and with a mounting injury list that includes small forward sensation Charlie Cameron (ankle) and midfield bull Mitch Robinson (toe), their depth will again be put to the test. Dayne Beams has been peerless since stepping down from the captaincy a fortnight ago and looms as a crucial player for the Bombers to curtail. Essendon seemed to have its season back on track with wins over Geelong and Greater Western Sydney before the Tigers got a hold of it. Brisbane has been super competitive on its home ground this season and might just be good enough to get home in a tight one.

WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Sunday, June 10, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R15, 2017, Brisbane Lions 13.12 (90) d Essendon 11.16 (82) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2017, Essendon 17.9 (111) d Brisbane Lions 12.12 (84) at the Gabba
R18, 2016, Brisbane Lions 20.8 (128) d Essendon 12.19 (91) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2015, Essendon 21.10 (136) d Brisbane Lions 12.6 (78) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2014, Essendon 9.11 (65) d Brisbane Lions 8.9 (57) at the Gabba

THE SIX POINTS
1. Essendon led by 27 points at the five-minute mark of the final quarter when the teams last played before the Lions kicked six unanswered goals to steal victory. Eric Hipwood finished with four goals.

2. Both teams have had scoring issues in quarters this season, Brisbane is the worst first-quarter team, losing all 11, and are minus-169 points. Essendon is the worst third-quarter team, losing 10 off 11, and are minus-180 points. 

3. Not much separates these teams recently, with three wins each since 2013. Three of those matches have been decided by 10 points or less. Brisbane will be aiming for consecutive wins over the Bombers for the first time since 2005-06.

4. Both teams have struggled taking the ball inside 50 this season. Essendon is ranked 15thwith an average of 50.3 a game and Brisbane 16thaveraging 49.7. The Bombers are fifth for marks inside 50 and Lions equal ninth.

5. The teams have played 16 times at the Gabba with Brisbane winning 10 games to six, but the Bombers have won the past three.  

6. Dayne Beams has jumped 51 places in the past fortnight in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Following 38 disposals against Sydney, and 32 and five goals against the Kangaroos, Beams has leapt to 140thoverall.

IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Key defender Michael Hurley will become an Essendon life member when he chalks up his 150th game for the club. Hurley was taken at No.5 in the 2008 AFL National Draft and is a two-time All Australian. Interestingly, another top-10 pick from that draft – Daniel Rich – will also run out for the team that selected him 10 years ago.

PREDICTION: Brisbane by 13 points