Geelong was too good for Essendon last week, but the Bombers left the game upbeat and with some confidence their game plan can stand up to the best teams in the competition. The Bombers also brought in a number of inclusions, who will be better for the run and will be expecting to have a stronger output this week against the Lions. But the Lions might enter the clash with some confidence, having pushed West Coast last week at the Gabba. In the end the Eagles' class was too much, but Brisbane worked tirelessly and only lost by 26 points after a series of late West Coast goals inflated the margin.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday May 18, 1.45pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 6, 2012: Essendon 19.15 (129) d Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 8, 2011: Essendon 15.12 (102) d Brisbane Lions 9.12 (66) at the Gabba
Rd 21, 2010: Brisbane Lions 14.11 (95) d Essendon 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 19, 2009: Essendon 13.9 (87) drew with Brisbane Lions 12.15 (87) at the MCG
Rd 6, 2009: Brisbane Lions 17.9 (111) d Essendon 9.14 (68) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. Essendon thrashed Brisbane the last time the sides met, winning by 67 points in round 6, 2012 at Etihad Stadium. Jobe Watson picked up the three Brownlow votes with 36 possessions.
2. Essendon is ranked the No.1 defensive side in the competition, conceding 78 points a game. Brisbane is ranked 15th, conceding 108 points a game.
3. The Lions have Essendon covered in rebounding from defence, though, ranking seventh in the competition. Essendon is 16th.
4. This is the 39th clash between the sides, with Essendon holding the overall advantage of 22 wins to 15, with one draw. In 19 clashes in Melbourne, Essendon has won 13.
5. Last week against Geelong, the Bombers kicked 19 behinds. It was their most inaccurate outing since round four last season, when they beat Carlton by 30 points despite kicking 15.19 (109).
6. In 95 games, under-fire Lions coach Michael Voss has a 38 per cent winning record.
