SUMMARY
For the Brisbane Lions, this match spells the end of a long and frustrating season. For the Bulldogs, it spells the start of a new one – the finals. It all adds up to a fairly one-sided match on paper. No matter what happens between Richmond and North Melbourne on Friday night, the Bulldogs, now sixth, can guarantee a first-week final at their preferred Etihad Stadium with a win over the Lions. Fresh off a tough win over the Kangaroos, the Doggies' run-and-gun style should prove too much for a Lions outfit limping to the finish line with barely enough players to select a fit 22 from.
WHERE AND WHEN: The Gabba, September 5, 1.45pm
AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R12, 2015, Western Bulldogs 22.14 (146) d Brisbane Lions 11.8 (74) at Etihad Stadium
R12, 2014, Brisbane Lions 14.11 (95) d Western Bulldogs 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2013, Brisbane Lions 15.10 (100) d Western Bulldogs 13.15 (93) at the Gabba
R1, 2013, Western Bulldogs 19.13 (127) d Brisbane Lions 7.17 (59) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2012, Brisbane Lions 19.14 (128) d Western Bulldogs 9.7 (61) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. Jake Stringer booted five goals and Tom Boyd four in the Bulldogs' win over the Lions earlier this season. The Bulldogs blew the game apart with a nine-goal final quarter.
2. The Lions are on track for their first wooden spoon since 1998 and just their second as the Brisbane Lions. Another defeat would ensure their lowest wins total for a season, three, since 1991.
3. This will be the 50th time the clubs have met, with the Bulldogs holding a 28-21 advantage.
4. The Bulldogs are ranked fifth for contested possessions, averaging 139.6, while the Lions have struggled, ranked 17th with an average of 127.7.
5. One advantage for the Lions is their recent record against the Bulldogs at the Gabba, winning the past three contests and four of the last five.
6. Bulldogs midfielder Marcus Bontempelli has rocketed to 20th overall in the AFL Official Player Ratings. The 19-year-old started the season at No.374.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jed Adcock It's Adcock's final game in Lions colours after being recently told by the club he wouldn't be required in 2016. The former skipper will play his 206th game after coming to the club via the 2003 draft. He'd love to go out a winner.
PREDICTION: Bulldogs by 40 points
