On
Chris Fagan's men have won two of their past four matches – including Sunday's incredible last quarter revival to down Essendon – and shown good signs in losses to Port Adelaide and GWS. Dayne Zorko and Tom Rockliff have been prolific in the midfield, while the Lions' young talent, led by Eric Hipwood, Harris Andrews and Hugh McCluggage, has added some class and excitement.
Geelong is coming off a draw to the Giants and spent the week on the Gold Coast rather than returning to Victoria. They possess more weapons but don't be shocked if the Lions give some cheek.
WHERE AND WHEN: The Gabba, Saturday, July 8, 7.25pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2016, Geelong 19.15 (129) d Brisbane Lions 10.9 (69) at the Gabba
R3, 2016, Geelong 18.17 (125) d Brisbane Lions 7.14 (56) at Simonds Stadium
R18, 2015, Geelong 17.11 (113) d Brisbane Lions 8.9 (57) at Simonds Stadium
R23, 2014, Geelong 21.17 (143) d Brisbane Lions 12.9 (81) at Simonds Stadium
R2, 2014, Geelong 13.15 (93) d Brisbane Lions 10.8 (68) at the Gabba
THE FOUR POINTS
1. Only 15 points separated the teams at half-time when they last
2. The Lions last win over Geelong was in Round 13, 2013 at the Gabba, when Ash McGrath capped off a miracle comeback with a match-winning goal after the siren.
3. The Lions are looking for consecutive wins for the first time
4. Lewy Taylor continued his terrific season last week with 24 disposals and three goal assists. He has jumped almost 50 spots to 166th overall in the AFL Official Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Rhys Mathieson
With Dayne Beams out injured, Rhys Mathieson has had to take on a much bigger role for the Lions of late. After picking up a career-high 32 disposals against the GIANTS two weeks ago, Mathieson had a slightly quieter game against Essendon last weekend. With Joel Selwood almost certain to return for the Cats on Saturday, expect a big match from Mathieson who had a feisty run-in with the Cats skipper the last two the sides met.
