We take a look at the five BIG questions ahead of our Round 23 game against St Kilda.

1. Can the Lions finish off Daniel Merrett’s 200th and final match with a win?

Daniel Merrett will play his 200th and final game against the Saints at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. After 14 years at the Lions, with 12 of those years as a regular senior player, Merrett brings both experience and guidance to the Lions' young outfit. They'll be hoping to send the big-man off in style on Sunday with a win.

Merrett ahead of 200th game

2. Can we keep a chain on Roo?

Big name players have a habit of getting a run on against the Lions. On separate occasions West Coast Eagles big-man Josh Kennedy has kicked 8 and 5 goals against Brisbane this season. Buddy Franklin (Sydney) 5, Tom Lynch (GCS) 5, Jarrad Waite (Carlton) 5, Joe Daniher (Essendon) 5, Tom Hawkins (Geelong) 4 and Jack Riewoldt (Richmond) 4 have also performed well against a young Lions backline. Nick Riewoldt has kicked 32 goals this season and across his career has kicked more goals at Etihad Stadium than any other player. Riewoldt will need close attention if the Lions are to nullify the Saints big-man.

Will Dan Merrett get the job on Riewoldt? (See full infographic)

3. Can we break our Etihad Stadium jinx?

The Brisbane Lions might have had some memorable wins at Etihad Stadium in recent years, but it traditionally hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Club. Of the last seven matches the Lions have played at Etihad Stadium since 2015, they’ve had two wins and five losses. The average losing margin 57 points. The Lions’ last away win was at the venue against Essendon in Round 18. Can they finish off the year with a win away from home?

4. Can we sustain a four-quarter effort?

Retiring defender Daniel Merrett told media earlier in the week that the "competitive streak" is the thing he'll miss most about playing. Merrett said he sees that ‘competitive spirit’ in his younger teammates, it’s just about sustaining it for longer. Even though last weekend’s opening term against Geelong was ugly, the Lions produced their best second quarter for the year (+37 points). After conceding seven goals to the Cats and playing just 35 per cent of the first quarter in their attacking half, the Lions did well to kick six  goals in the second quarter to record 52 per cent of time in their forward half. They’ll need to sustain a four quarter effort on Sunday if they’re to come away with the four points.

5. Will the ‘Sauce Squad’ get the boys up and about?

The ‘Sauce Squad’ will be at Etihad Stadium on Sunday to cheer on Daniel Merrett in his farewell match. The group made themselves known in the final NAB Challenge match this year against GWS when they began chanting from their seats. They’ll bring enthusiasm on Sunday and if the Lions get a run on, could be the key to a Lions win.

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