SUMMARY
The Lions head to Etihad Stadium for their first game in front of their Victorian fans following a disappoint Round 1 loss to Collingwood at the Gabba. The Kangaroos are coming off their own disappointing loss after going down to a rejuvenated Crows by 77 points. Last year's preliminary finalists will be looking to bounce back while the Lions will need their mid field to step up to cover the loss of captain Tom Rockliff who will miss with broken ribs. Contested possession was an issue for both teams in Round 1 and is set to be the most important performance indicator for which team will get the win in this clash.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, 4.40pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2014, Brisbane 10.10 (70) d North Melbourne 9.12 (66) at the Gabba
R9, 2014, North Melbourne 17.23 (125) d Brisbane 6.2 (38) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2013, Brisbane 18.9 (117) d North Melbourne 17.3 (105) at the Gabba
R4, 2013, North Melbourne 18.17 (125) d Brisbane 9.8 (62) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2012, North Melbourne 17.10 (112) d Brisbane 15.6 (96) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1.It was one win each for these teams last season, with North triumphing by 87 points in round nine at Etihad Stadium before the Lions caused an upset in a four-point thriller at the Gabba in round 15.
2. The Lions have won two of the teams' last three clashes, but the Kangaroos have won four of the past six.
3. This will be the teams' 48th meeting, with North holding a 26-20-1 advantage.
4. North has won six of the teams' 11 games at Etihad Stadium, with one of the games a draw.
5. The Kangaroos won seven of 11 games at Etihad Stadium in 2014. The Lions won two of their three games at the Docklands venue last season but have not defeated North there since 2009.
6. The Lions won three of their six games in Victoria in 2014, but their three defeats came at an average losing margin of 58 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Claye Beams. The 23 year old signed a new 2 year deal with the Club this week and is coming off a strong performance in Round 1. The rebounding defender racked up 22 disposals and had 9 inside 50s to be one of his team's best against the Pies. He will be looking to put a horror run of injuries in recent season behind him and build on his Round 1 performance to cement his spot off half back. His ball usage will be important in setting up team attacks.
