Sydney ground out an uninspiring win over a feisty Brisbane Lions outfit on Sunday, coming away with a 21-point victory when the final siren blew.
>> MATCH REPORT: Swans scrape home against Lions
Buoyed by the return of skipper Tom Rockliff, the Lions brought the heat early kicking two goals to one in the first term, but couldn’t hold on to the lead as the Swans gradually reasserted themselves.
Brisbane 7.7.49 def. by Sydney 10.10.70
The Brisbane Lions face one of the biggest challenges in the AFL when they come up against the Sydney Swans at the Gabba to close out Round 15. Join The Roar for live scores from 4:40pm (AEST).
It’s third versus last today, and there’s high expectations that the result will fall accordingly, with the home side starting as $6.00 outsiders to upset the 2014 grand finalist.
Recent history is also against the Lions, with the Swans not only winning every clash between the two since the turn of the decade, but pretty much thumping them.
In their five most recent meetings, the Swans’ lowest score has been 110 points, while the Lions’ highest has been just 67. In their two most recent meetings, the Lions have managed just 44 and 55 points respectively.
Brisbane’s defensive woes against the Swans won’t be given any reprieve this week either, as Sydney welcome back their twin-towers up front, Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippet, after both sat out Round 14 serving a suspension.
The Lions also have a string of big ins, welcoming back Daniel Merrett, Tom Rockliff and Pearce Hanley – they’ll need big performances from all today. Nick Robertson and Zac O’Brien have also been added to an extended bench.
Unfortunately for Brisbane, the injection of talent they are receiving for this match is slightly negated by the omissions of Josh Green and Mitch Robinson.
Gary Rohan will also be a notable absentee for the Swans after he sustained a hamstring injury against the Power last Thursday.
Can Brisbane break their shocking run of form against the Swans?
Join The Roar for live scores of the Lions versus Swans clash from 4:40pm (AEST) on Sunday to find out.
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
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