Head to head: Brisbane Lions 16 wins, Richmond 17 wins, one draw
Last time: Brisbane Lions 15.7 (97) def Richmond 10.11 (71), round seven, 2009 at MCG
MISSING IN ACTION
Brisbane Lions
Jed Adcock (foot) - 4-6 weeks
Callum Bartlett (knee) - season
Jonathan Brown (abdominal strain) - 4 weeks
Jamie Charman (ankle) - season
Xavier Clarke (knee) - 3 weeks
Josh Drummond (knee) - indefinite
Mitch Golby (knee) - season
Matt Maguire (foot) - 3 weeks
Ash McGrath (hamstring) - 4 weeks
James Polkinghorne (thigh) - 1 week
Richmond
Matt Dea (foot) - indefinite
Nathan Foley (leg) - test
Tom Hislop (knee) - indefinite
FORM
Brisbane Lions: LLWLL
Richmond: LLWLW
SUMMARY
After an awful start to the season, during which time they were being compared to Fitzroy in 1996, the Tigers have turned the corner thanks to wins over Port Adelaide and West Coast in the past three weeks.
In start contrast, the Lions started the year brilliantly by winning their first four matches, but they have collapsed since then, losing seven of their past eight matches.
In start contrast, the Lions started the year brilliantly by winning their first four matches, but they have collapsed since then, losing seven of their past eight matches.
Things went from bad to worse last weekend when they were thumped by the Western Bulldogs - the loss coming on the same day Michael Voss confirmed that Jonathan Brown’s abdominal injury will keep him on the sidelines for the next month.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Overlooked in the 2008 national draft despite being a star in the TAC Cup, Tom Rockliff was recruited by the Brisbane Lions a month later in the pre-season draft.
It has proved an inspired selection, as the youngster from Benalla in regional Victoria has been one of the Lions’ shining lights this year. He gathered 25 possessions against the Bulldogs last Sunday.
Jack Riewoldt has been in astounding form for Richmond in the past month. Last weekend, he booted 10 goals against the Eagles, including five in the first quarter. Jumping Jack now has 45 goals for the season and is leading the race for the Coleman Medal.
QUESTION MARKS
When will Brendan Fevola return to form? Fev was poor against the Dogs and spent more time offering advice to his teammates than leading for the ball. With Jon Brown out of the side, Michael Voss desperately needs his star recruit to step up in his 200th game.
Can anyone stop Jack Riewoldt? Daniel Merrett is likely to get the big job, but after conceding six goals to Barry Hall last weekend, the Queenslander won’t exactly be full of confidence.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Eight weeks ago, this would have been marked down as a certain victory for the Lions, but things have changed dramatically since then. Richmond’s young side has begun to show some serious potential, while the Lions have looked slow and disinterested in their recent outings. It all means Brisbane desperately needs a win to keep its season alive.
That might just be enough incentive for the Lions to get the job done in front of their home crowd.
PREDICTION
Brisbane Lions by five points.
Chat with host Nick Berrett and other fans in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au from 7.40pm Saturday or join the conversation on Twitter: #afllionstigers
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
