There are 277 different ways the top eight could finish come the end of Round 23, with the Brisbane Lions kicking things off on Friday night, when they host Melbourne at a sold out Gabba. 

A potential top two finish awaits for the victor, while a position as low as sixth looms for the loser. 

Heading to the game? Everything you need to know HERE in our Game Day Guide.

Last time we met

Lions fans won't reflect too fondly on their sides last encounter with the Dees. 

In their top-of-the-ladder clash with Brisbane, the Demons stormed past the Lions to reclaim the No.1 position with their 16.21 (117) to 7.11 (53) win at the MCG.

It was a big percentage booster for one and percentage hit for another as the Demons showed a force that could easily have been a much bigger margin in a reminder Melbourne's best is still the competition's benchmark.  

01:41

The potent performance from the reigning premiers came via a six-goal-to-one second term that saw them kill off the game and the spirit of their fellow flag hopefuls. 

Both teams were weakened by outs – Zac Bailey and Dayne Zorko missing for the Lions, while the Demons were without Max Gawn and Tom McDonald – but the all-round strength of Melbourne won out against a Lions outfit that was several steps off the best. 

Key Match-Ups

Lachie Neale vs Clayton Oliver

Two of the most in-form midfielders in the competition will be front and centre on Friday night. Neale is averaging 30.2 disposals and was kept to a relatively quiet 22 touches last time the two sides met, while Oliver is averaging 33.7 touches and has proven to be a challenge for taggers with his physicality around the contest. While both sides may deploy taggers to nullify their impact, expect both Neale and Oliver to put their best foot forward in the last round of the home and away season.

00:42

Brandon Starcevich vs Kysaiah Pickett

One the Lions most consistent players will have a big task on Friday night, containing livewire, Pickett. Starcevich's season is flying under the radar, with the 23-year-old sitting above average in tackles, intercept possessions and contested possessions. Pickett has the ability to win games off his own boot, as seen in the Demon's last minute win last week and averages 1.7 goals a game in 2022. 

It's a big week for...

Charlie Cameron

It's a big week for Brisbane's goal sneak, who will run out for his 100th club game on Friday night. From bringing Country Roads to the masses to kicking the Lions into the Top Four in this round last year, there's plenty of memorable moments thanks to Charlie Cameron. 

Should he kick two goals on Friday night, the 28-year-old will shoot to the top of the list for 'most goals kicked in their first 100 games as a Lion' and will edge past Premiership player, Daniel Bradshaw. 

01:45