The Lions must win to have any chance of making finals and to show its recent performances against top teams isn't a mirage. Melbourne is playing for pride as it tries to clock up a few moments of sunshine in a dark period for the club. The Lions have a more balanced list and its midfield is ahead of the Demons. However, Melbourne is in better shape mentally and physically than it was when the two teams met in round five. Despite being belted last week, the Demons are moving the ball better and playing with renewed energy under Neil Craig. The Lions, however, have won three of its past four games and could conceivably win the next six. It must start with Melbourne to be a credible contender for eighth spot.
WHERE AND WHEN: TIO Stadium (Darwin), Saturday July 20, 7.10pm (ACST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R3, 2011, Melbourne 12.10 (82) d Brisbane Lions 11.5 (71) at the MCG
R18, 2010, Melbourne 11.8 (74) d Brisbane Lions 9.10 (64) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. When the Lions defeated the Demons in round five by 28-points at the Gabba, former Demon Brent Moloney starred with 36 possessions. Moloney is currently 119th in the Official AFL Player Ratings.
2. The Lions have won the past three contests between the sides, but since 2010 the record stands at three wins apiece. Melbourne has never lost four consecutive games to the Lions.
3. Overall the Demons have a 21-18 win-loss record against the Brisbane Lions.
4. Melbourne has won two of its three games at TIO Stadium in Darwin. It has never played the Lions at this venue.
5. Darwin usually provides a dearth of goals. Only one team in the past three matches at TIO Stadium has kicked more than 10 in a game.
6. The Lions are strong finishers in 2013, and have kicked 166 points compared to the opposition's 79 in the final quarter of their past four games.
