THE BRISBANE Lions have called up three top-line defenders for Saturday's clash with the Western Bulldogs, but reliable backman Joel Patfull suspects the game could be decided by the battle of the midfields.
Josh Drummond, Jason Roe and Ash McGrath all return from hamstring tightness for the Lions, while midfielder Cheynee Stiller has been named for his first game since the round seven meeting with Geelong.
Leading goal-kicker Daniel Bradshaw (hamstring) and Scott Harding (knee) were unavailable through injury, with Robbie Copeland and James Hawksley omitted.
"Not being a big side, the Bulldogs play a lot of quick attacking footy and that can make it even harder for defenders," Patfull said.
"They've got a lot of really good midfielders and if they can move it quickly into the forward line, that makes it pretty tough.
"But our midfield has been in good form and hopefully they can get the better of things through that part of the ground."
The Bulldogs made only one change to the side that comfortably beat St Kilda last week, with Robert Murphy returning from suspension to replace Stephen Tiller.
Brisbane Lions
B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Jared Brennan, Joel Macdonald, Troy Selwood
C: Anthony Corrie, Simon Black, Tim Notting
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Rhan Hooper, Mitch Clark, Travis Johnstone
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Jed Adcock
I/C: Matthew Leuenberger, Ashley McGrath, Cheynee Stiller, Jason Roe
EMG: Albert Proud, James Polkinghorne, Robert Copeland
Western Bulldogs
B: Dale Morris, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Dylan Addison, Tom Williams, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Daniel Giansiracusa, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Scott Welsh, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Adam Cooney
I/C: Nathan Eagleton, Andrejs Everitt, Farren Ray, Callan Ward
EMG: Jarrod Harbrow, Josh Hill, Peter Street
On the punt:
Finally Lions fans will see some value on the punt, with their side set to go into the weekend as $2.70 underdogs. A Lions win of less than 40 points is particularly attractive at $3.40.
The Lions have tightened considerably as premiership and top-four fancies – into $10 and $1.95 respectively. Were it not for the red-hot form of Geelong's Gary Ablett, Simon Black would be the outright Brownlow Medal favourite. The ultra-consistent midfield tightened another 50 cents during the week to $4.25.
Key match-up:
Troy Selwood (Lions) v Jason Akermanis (Bulldogs) – in truth any number of Lions could line up against their in-form former teammate. But it seems unlikely that Josh Drummond or Joel Patfull will start with the job (as per the selected teams) and, if Akermanis starts forward, Selwood may well get the nod. Formerly the Lions' designated tagger, Selwood has worked his way into solid form in defence in the last few weeks and would relish the assignment of shutting down the flamboyant ex-Lion.
Odds and sods:
The Lions' chances would rely on their efficiency in front of goal – along with their ability to limit the effectiveness of their hosts. The Lions average 30.9 scoring shots, compared to the Bulldogs' 31.6. But the Bulldogs currently produce a league-leading 18.3 goals per game, while the Lions' 15.5 behinds per outing are the most in the competition.
If the Lions are to restrict the Bulldogs' forward line efficiency, tackling pressure is likely to be a big factor. The Lions average 59.6 tackles per game – bettered only by the Sydney Swans with 62.3. By contrast, the Bulldogs' 49.1 tackles per game is the fourth-lowest in the league. Only Richmond, the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle are worse performed.
It's a long way from Queensland to Melbourne. But then, again, maybe not. While the Lions have 10 Queensland products on their senior list, the Bulldogs aren't far behind with seven – perhaps it is the influence of former Bears/Lions recruiter Scott Clayton. Four of them, Tom Williams, Mitch Hahn, Akermanis and Ben Hudson, have been selected for Saturday's match.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
