SUMMARY
Coming off one of their worst losses of the season against Fremantle, the Brisbane Lions face another tough task when they host West Coast at the Gabba. The Eagles have some problems of their own, now clinging to eighth spot after a surprise defeat to Adelaide last week and the loss of ruckman Nic Naitanui (Achilles) to injury. But nothing could compare their worries to those of the Lions. Justin Leppitsch's men were embarrassed last week and need to respond to take some heat off their under-siege coach. West Coast's forward line of Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras looks a tough match-up for the hosts, and just like the opening round of the season, the Eagles should win this one going away.
Eagles star Josh Kennedy booted eight goals the last time these two teams met. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Gabba, Saturday, June 18, 1.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2016, West Coast 26.10 (166) d Brisbane Lions 15.12 (102) at Domain Stadium
R4, 2015, West Coast 17.16 (118) d Brisbane Lions 9.11 (65) at the Gabba
R17, 2014, West Coast 11.10 (76) d Brisbane Lions 9.10 (64) at the Gabba
R7, 2013, West Coast 17.6 (108) d Brisbane Lions 12.10 (82) at the Gabba
R18, 2012, West Coast 28.7 (175) d Brisbane Lions 12.5 (77) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was the equal-highest scoring game of the year in round one with a combined 41 goals kicked. Josh Kennedy starred with 25 disposals, 16 marks and eight goals, while Matt Priddis had 43 disposals.
2. No team is paid more free kicks than West Coast, averaging 21.8 a game, but the Lions aren't far behind, ranked third at 21.1 a game.
3. West Coast holds a clear advantage in head-to-head matches, leading 32-12, with one draw. The Eagles have won six of the past seven contests.
4. The Eagles continue to be the number one ranked side for hit-outs this season, averaging 52.8 a game, however, without injured Nic Naitanui (ranked third), the primary duties will fall to Scott Lycett (ranked 23rd).
5. The Lions are ranked 17th for inside 50s this season, 15th for marks inside 50 and 16th for points a game. They’ve also got the worst defence this season, conceding 126 points a game.
6. With 19 disposals and one goal last week, Eagles small forward Josh Hill continues his climb up the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Hill is now ranked a career-high 87th overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Stefan Martin.
Not only is it his 50th game for the club since moving from Melbourne at the end of 2012, but Martin's role looms as critical given Naitanui's injury. If he can recapture his stellar form of 2015, Martin could provide his midfield with first use of the ball and give the Lions a sporting chance.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 31 points
