SUMMARY
These teams spent most of last season battling out the wooden spoon, but have started 2017 with plenty of optimism following upset first round victories. The reborn Bombers – welcoming back six players who served 12-month suspensions – blitzed Hawthorn with a slick, fast-moving brand of footy, while the Lions ushered in the Chris Fagan era with a nailbiting win over Queensland rivals Gold Coast. How both teams bounce back after their emotional victories is difficult to answer, but the Bombers' established stars such as skipper Dyson Heppell, Jobe Watson, Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker should all benefit from the run. The Lions will make it difficult with their newfound swarming defensive pressure, but the visitors would fancy their chances of making it two-from-two.
WHERE AND WHEN: The Gabba, Saturday, April 1, 6.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R8, 2013, Brisbane Lions 14.12 (96) d Essendon 12.14 (86) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2012, Essendon 19.15 (129) d Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Lions dominated when these teams met last season, winning the total possessions, contested possessions and clearances. Tom Rockliff starred with 38 disposals, 12 marks, nine tackles, six inside 50s and seven clearances.
2. The Lions' round one win over Gold Coast came despite a stats sheet heavily against them. They had fewer disposals, took fewer marks, laid fewer tackles, had fewer scoring shots, lost the clearances and had 32 fewer inside 50s - but still won.
3. These teams clash for the 43rd time, with Essendon holding a 24-17 advantage, along with one draw. The Lions won just two of 11 matches at the Gabba last season, while the Bombers failed on six interstate trips, losing by an average of 74 points.
4. The Bombers continued their uncontested possession style in round one, racking up the third most disposals of any team in the round (428) and the second most uncontested possessions (288).
5. The Lions will be looking for two wins to start the season for the first time since 2010, and if Essendon wins it will be the third time since 2012 they’ve won their first two games.
6. Zach Merrett continues to climb the AFL Official Player Ratings, rising to a career-high 29th overall after his 37 disposals and seven marks against the Hawks.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Brent Stanton
The prolific Bomber midfielder chalks up game number 250 against the Lions. Aside from his suspension last year, the 31-year-old has been one of the game's most durable players, stringing together 10 seasons of 20-plus games prior to 2016. He returned against the Hawks last week with 19 touches and two goals and would love to celebrate his milestone in style.
PREDICTION: Essendon by 13 points
