Both teams like to slow things down
THE highlight videos show Brisbane Lions as an attacking side with plenty of flair, but expect tonight’s game against Geelong to be a battle between two very similar game styles.
The Lions play quick when they win a turnover and have plenty of leg speed but, similar to the Cats, they are happiest when things are slowed down.
Both teams like to control the football through uncontested marks to guard against turnovers and take field position.
While Brisbane ranks just 10th in the AFL for marks this year, in its four wins since the game restarted it has taken 60 more marks than its opponents.
The only time this year it has taken less marks than its opponent was in Round 1 against Hawthorn, in a match the Hawks won by 28 points.
Like Geelong, Brisbane likes to chip the ball forward before turning and kicking long inside 50 to its three tall forwards in Eric Hipwood, Oscar McInerney and the improving Dan McStay.
The Lions have generated more shots at goal than anyone else in the AFL this year but have been the worst in front of the sticks, converting just 44 per cent of their attempts.
Geelong’s defence was stretched and outmarked in Round 3 by Carlton’s three talls and Brisbane will look to create one-on-one chances for its forwards like the Blues managed.
With that in mind, like every other week, Geelong will hope to win the game in the middle.
A brilliant second term bursting the ball out of the centre created a lead for Brisbane last week against Port Adelaide, in what was an otherwise even contest. The Cats midfield, led by Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood, will need to match the dangerous Lions engine room.
Lachie Neale is probably the form player of the competition and the Lions feed off his energy around the ball.
Darcy Fort has a tough task against dual threat Stefan Martin and McInerney to win the ruck.
Stoppage goals hurt Geelong when the two sides last played in Round 22 last year, so the Cats will need to work hard at the coal face.