SUMMARY
Melbourne blew a golden opportunity to capitalise on a game it was expected to win against Essendon last weekend. A nine-point loss behind them, the Demons should approach Sunday's clash with the Lions in a similar frame of mind. The Lions have beaten the Demons just once at the MCG since 2000 (from four attempts). However Justin Leppitsch's team has been much improved since the returns of Pearce Hanley and Tom Rockliff from injury in recent weeks. The Lions have pushed Fremantle and the Sydney Swans in their past two outings, meaning they will count Sunday's game as a very winnable game.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, July 19, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2014, Brisbane Lions 11.8 (74) d Melbourne 6.15 (51) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2013, Brisbane Lions 13.16 (94) d Melbourne 11.9 (75) at TIO Stadium
R5, 2013, Brisbane Lions 17.20 (122) d Melbourne 14.10 (94) at the Gabba
R14, 2012, Brisbane Lions 18.14 (122) d Melbourne 8.13 (61) at the Gabba
R1, 2012, Brisbane Lions 17.17 (119) d Melbourne 11.12 (78) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne is ranked 18th in the competition for inside 50 entries, averaging 43.3 per game. The Lions are 17th with 44.6 per game.
2. Melbourne has won 21 to the Lions' 20 in contests between the sides. However, the Lions have won the past five games.
3. Melbourne is 18th in the AFL for marks per game with 75.9, while the Lions rank 14th (84.2).
4. Melbourne has won 11 of the 14 matches between the sides at the MCG, with the Lions defeating the Demons just once at the venue since 2000.
5. Melbourne is ranked fourth in the competition for tackles (71.5 per game), while the Lions have struggled in this area and are ranked 15th with 62.9 per game.
6. Lions forward Dayne Zorko was the eighth top-ranked player in the Official AFL Player Ratings last weekend (23 points).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Chris Dawes
The Melbourne forward has struggled for form in 2015, booting just five goals from eight games. A calf injury has hampered the first half of his season, but he has a real opportunity to turn that around against the Lions. With much of the attention expected to be heaped on Jesse Hogan, it could be Dawes slipping through the cracks to boot Melbourne to a winning score.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by five points
