SUMMARY
The Lions have had a horror season and it doesn't look like getting any better on Sunday when they host Greater Western Sydney. Despite a second-half fightback against Gold Coast last weekend, the Lions lost their 11th match straight and are battling with Essendon to avoid the wooden spoon. Meanwhile, the Giants' upset loss against Collingwood ensures they'll come to the Gabba breathing fire. Jeremy Cameron and Jonathon Patton kicked eight goals between them against the Magpies and if there's one area the Lions have struggled in all season, it's stopping opposition forwards. Against the Suns it was Tom Lynch and Peter Wright combining for 10 goals, and with the hard-running Giants midfield expected to give their forwards plenty of opportunities, they should run up a big win.
Dayne Zorko and his Lions face a huge task to stop the Giants on Sunday. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Sunday, July 17, 4.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FOUR TIMES
R10, 2015, Greater Western Sydney 14.13 (97) d Brisbane Lions 10.7 (67) at Spotless Stadium
R13, 2014, Greater Western Sydney 19.11 (125) d Brisbane Lions 12.8 (80) at the Gabba
R21, 2013, Brisbane Lions 18.15 (123) d Greater Western Sydney 9.9 (63) at the Gabba
R8, 2012, Brisbane Lions 19.18 (132) d Greater Western Sydney 5.10 (40) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Giants should have won by more the last time the sides met with 17 more inside 50s, 18 more clearances and nine more marks inside 50. Callan Ward was best on ground with 32 disposals, one goal and 12 tackles.
2. The Lions have now lost 11 consecutive matches – another loss and they will equal the longest losing sequence in club history, recorded back in 1990-91.
3. The Lions have the worst defence this season, conceding 126 points a game. The Giants are ranked second in offence, averaging 108 points a game.
4. The Lions have lost six of their seven matches at the Gabba this season, including the past four by an average of 65 points. GWS are three from six on the road.
5. No team has won fewer quarters than the Lions' tally of 12 this season, six fewer than the next worst team. The Giants are equal second for quarters won with 42.
6. In Dylan Shiel (15th), Callan Ward (18th), Ryan Griffen (39th) and Heath Shaw (49th), the Giants have four players in the top 50 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The Lions have one – Dayne Zorko, who is ranked 16th overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Joel Patfull. While Lions fans aren't known for their anger towards former players, this will be the first time Patfull has played at the Gabba since leaving the club at the end of 2014. The reliable defender won two best and fairests in his nine-season, 182-game career with the Lions.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 47 points
