HEAD TO HEAD: Brisbane Lions 12 wins, North Melbourne 10 wins, one draw
LAST TIME: North Melbourne 12.18 (90) d Brisbane Lions 13.11 (89), round 11, 2010 at Etihad Stadium
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
A full replay will be available on afl.com.au 12 hours after the completion of the match
FORM: Brisbane Lions: BLLLL North Melbourne: LLWLW
SUMMARY
The two clubs come into this match with contrasting form after North Melbourne notched their second win in three starts last Saturday, erasing a 24-point quarter-time deficit to run away with a 41-point victory over Melbourne. Meanwhile, the Lions continued their horror 2011 campaign with a 30-point loss to Essendon after leading by a point at the main break.
Former premiership teammates Brad Scott and Michael Voss have both had the spotlight on their coaching credentials this season, but Voss is the man in the hot seat and looking for some breathing space.
Lions captain Jonathan Brown is expected to return from an eight-week injury layoff on Saturday night, and while Voss has been disappointed the Lions have not stepped up in his absence, he must have been ticking off the days until his skipper's return.
While finals action is out of the question for the last-placed Lions, North Melbourne could climb from 13th and move into top-eight contention with a third win for the season. It's been six long seasons since they've had success at the Gabba, though.
QUESTION MARKS
Can the Kangaroos take their good form on the road? In the past three weeks North has shown it can play quality football with strong wins over Port Adelaide and Melbourne at home. However, the Roos are 0-4 away from Etihad, including a heavy loss to Geelong and two unsuccessful trips to Perth.
Can Brown drag the Lions to their first win of the season? It's unfair to expect one man to lift an entire team, but if anyone can it's Brown. Not only does he provide a much-needed forward target, his presence alone is enough to spur his younger, success-starved teammates to produce their best. The Lions captain has also shown he needs very little preparation to play well.
PREDICTION
Brisbane Lions by 14 points
TOYOTA AFL DREAM TEAM WATCH
Brisbane Lions small defender/midfielder Jesse O'Brien's price has risen $47,700 to $193,000 this season and he is a great value buy if you're looking to trade down. He has averaged 58 points a match, but scored 67 last week and is becoming a regular in the team. For the Kangaroos, classy Daniel Wells had his best game for the season against Melbourne last week. He tallied 150 points to take his season average to 93, and his $345,400 price tag will rise significantly if that form continues.
Follow the game live in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au and join the conversation on Twitter using #aflnorthpower
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
