SUMMARY
Essendon comes up against a Brisbane Lions outfit that has regained some confidence and form in the past fortnight. The Lions followed up their breakthrough win over Carlton with an excellent victory over top-four hopefuls Port Adelaide at the Gabba last week. Their fleet of smaller forwards and midfielders, including Lewy Taylor and Josh Green, are back having an influence and could trouble the Bombers, who have struggled against speed. The Bombers tried hard but were not good enough to overcome North Melbourne last week. They can square their season at 4-4 after eight rounds if they overcome the Lions.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, May 24, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: www.afl.com.au/broadcastguide.workstation
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R8, 2011, Essendon 15.12 (102) d Brisbane Lions 9.12 (66) at the Gabba
R21, 2010, Brisbane Lions 14.11 (95) d Essendon 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Essendon secured an eight-point win over the Lions last time the sides met in round eight, 2014, at the Gabba. Brendon Goddard had 30 disposals, kicked a goal and was awarded the three Brownlow Medal votes.
2. The Bombers are a high possession team, ranked fourth with 375.4 disposals per game, while the Lions have struggled in this area ranked 17th with 339.9 per game.
3. Both teams have struggled to score in 2015. The Bombers are ranked 16th for points per game averaging 72.5 and have reached triple figures in a game only once. The Lions are 17th at 69.7 points per game and have also only kicked 100 points once.
4. This is the 41st meeting between the sides and Essendon holds the advantage winning 23 games to 16, with one draw.
5. Essendon is the worst centre clearance side in 2015, ranked 18th. It is averaging 9.4 per game while the Lions are equal 12th at 11.9 per game.
6. Dayne Beams' first season as a Lion has seen him rise up the ranks in the AFL Player Ratings. Beams started the season at No.104 overall but is now up to 31 as the highest-placed Lion.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Tom Bellchambers. The Essendon ruckman has had a slow start to this season, with coach James Hird saying last week the big man had been carrying a knee injury. But with the worst of that behind him, Bellchambers faces a big task against Lions ruckman Stefan Martin.
PREDICTION: Essendon by 14 points
