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The pressure is high for both North Melbourne and Brisbane Lions as they clash at Etihad Stadium this afternoon. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 4.40pm AEST.
North Melbourne came into the season as finals contenders once again, but their tough draw has them yet to get a win in 2013.
The Brisbane Lions only came to the top of people’s minds as finals contenders with their win in the NAB Cup, but they too are under the pump with two losses and a close shave against the Gold Coast Suns.
This is a mighty important game for both teams – the winner gets a huge morale boost, while the loser could be consigned to life outside the top eight for the rest of the year.
Despite losing all three games so far in 2013, North Melbourne has won more quarters than they’ve lost, which suggests the team isn’t too far away.
It’s all about putting together a consistent performance.
In fact, the Kangaroos won all but one quarter last weekend against Sydney. It’s just a shame that they gave up 11 goals to one in the third quarter to throw that game away.
The third quarter is where North Melbourne has failed this season – they’ve lost all three by a total of 106 points!
The big talk after the teams were announced was the naming of Majak Daw to make his debut for today’s game.
Daw had a couple of hitouts in the NAB Cup and has shown glimpses of excitement throughout his VFL career.
The Lions snuck over the line against the Suns. They looked in control for most of the contest, but faded late as the Gold Coast almost took the four points away.
After a strong pre-season, the injury toll has mounted for the Lions with some great talent on the sidelines – Brent Staker, Matt Maguire and the most recent being Claye Beams, who is out for the season with an ACL injury.
The constant travel early in the season may have taken its toll on the team, but the Lions seem to play better at Etihad Stadium than most venues around the country.
The fact they have an even record against the Kangaroos at Etihad (four wins, four losses and a draw) suggests the Lions like the fast-pace that’s conducive at the venue, as well as the slightly smaller confines of the ground.
Expect a tight contest as the Kangaroos and Lions do battle this afternoon. Full coverage coming up from 4.40pm AEST.
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