SUMMARY
On paper this match looks pretty one-sided, but since coming back from the bye a month ago, the Brisbane Lions have been more than feisty and should give the Cats a test. Chris Fagan's men have won two of their past four matches – including Sunday's incredible last quarter revival to down Essendon – and shown good signs in losses to Port Adelaide and GWS. Dayne Zorko and Tom Rockliff have been prolific in the midfield, while the Lions' young talent, led by Eric Hipwood, Harris Andrews and Hugh McCluggage, has added some class and excitement. Geelong is coming off a draw to the Giants and spent the week on the Gold Coast rather than returning to Victoria. They will likely have too many weapons, but don't be shocked if the Lions give some cheek.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Saturday, July 8, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2016, Geelong 19.15 (129) d Brisbane Lions 10.9 (69) at the Gabba
R3, 2016, Geelong 18.17 (125) d Brisbane Lions 7.14 (56) at Simonds Stadium
R18, 2015, Geelong 17.11 (113) d Brisbane Lions 8.9 (57) at Simonds Stadium
R23, 2014, Geelong 21.17 (143) d Brisbane Lions 12.9 (81) at Simonds Stadium
R2, 2014, Geelong 13.15 (93) d Brisbane Lions 10.8 (68) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. Only 15 points separated the teams at half-time when they last played, before Geelong kicked 10 goals to three in the second half. Steven Motlop booted five goals to go with 23 disposals.
2. The Lions are the worst defensive team after 14 games, conceding 116 points a game, and have given up 100 points in 11 games. Geelong is the fourth-ranked attack, kicking an average of 98 points.
3. Geelong has dominated the Lions recently, winning the past six games, 10 of the past 11, and 16 of 18 since 2006. The Lions last won in round 13, 2013 at the Gabba with an Ash McGrath goal after the siren.
4. The Lions are ranked last in the competition for disposals, averaging 363.4 a game, while the Cats are mid-table with their average of 387.
5. The Lions are looking for consecutive wins for the first time since rounds six and seven in 2015, while Geelong is travelling interstate for a second consecutive week for the first time since rounds 16 and 17 in 2011.
6. Lewy Taylor continued his terrific season last week with 24 disposals and three goal assists. He has jumped almost 50 spots to 166th overall in the Schick Official Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom Lonergan
What a career the Cats full-back has fashioned. After losing a kidney – and almost his life – in a game against Melbourne in 2006, he chalks up game number 200 against the Lions. Lonergan will have his hands full with young tyro Eric Hipwood in what could be a memorable contest.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 26 points
