Roar Guru
The Brisbane Lions host Collingwood tonight as they attempt to bounce back from a disappointing away loss to Essendon last week. Join us at 7.40pm AEST for live score updates and minute-by-minute commentary.
Collingwood is starting to gather some momentum after a sluggish start to the season and sit just outside the top eight on percentage.
They welcome back Alan Didak for his first game this season while Alex Fasolo and Ben Johnson are out injured.
Brisbane is desperate to show a more competitive performance at home as another wasted season beckons.
They have some injury outs with Jed Adcock and Ben Hudson, who has been a good contributor since transferring to the Lions from the Western Bulldogs.
With Hudson out, the ruck load will fall to Billy Longer, and that’s a big responsibility for the 19-year-old.
Alongside Longer will be Simon Black and Tom Rockliff, who will be trying to break even against one of the best midfields in the competition.
Jonathon Brown is not dominating centre half forward in the manner that he once did, but Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell will still have his hands full.
At the other end, Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes will be licking their lips at coming up against a fairly young Lions defence.
The Lions have a very good record against the pies at the Gabba and hopefully they can enter the game with a bit of confidence and play the game in a positive frame of mind.
On the other hand, one gets the feeling that new coach, Nathan Buckley, is starting to work out his preferred defensive structures, with the pies ready to flex some muscle and punish any sloppiness on the part of the Brisbane.
Brisbane are one of only two sides who have not gone coast to coast from a kick out this season – do not expect that statistic to change tonight.
Collingwood has the running power through the middle and the targets up forward, and should cruise to a 30 point win.
Will Nathan Buckley get the first one-up over old foe Michael Voss? Find out from 7.40pm AEST as we cover the action with live scores and commentary and if you’re watching, give us your thoughts in the space below.