Brisbane Lions will be hoping to put last week’s capitulation in Sydney behind them when they host West Coast Eagles this afternoon. We’ll have live scores from 2.10pm AEST.
Wins over the Gold Coast and Melbourne in rounds three and five have given Lions fans some reason for hope over the past month, but the crippling losses they suffered at the hands of the Swans, Kangaroos and even the Bulldogs quickly sap that enthusiasm.
Three-time Premiership captain Michael Voss, now in the fifth year of his tenure as coach, is beginning to run out of time with his serious questions raised as to the extent at which his side his developing.
But Lions fans to get some respite in the form of the return of Simon Black, who has miss all six of Brisbane’s matches so far this season – though there is some doubt over the former Brownlow Medal winner after his missed training on Friday.
Unfortunately for Voss he’ll still be without Daniel Rich, Matt Maguire and Stefan Martin who all remain long-term casualties.
The Eagles have their own injury concerns with Beau Waters, Sam Butler and Andrew Embley all still missing, but expect Nic Naitanui to have more of an influence after making a tentative return to the firsts last Sunday against the Bulldogs.
Despite the eventual 60-point margin the Eagles still had problems with the Bulldogs last Sunday before breaking away late in the game.
With home games agains the Kangaroos and Tigers and away trips to the Giants and Saints making up the Eagles’ next four fixtures, John Worsfold’s men have a real opportunity to shrug off a poor start to 2013 and move back toward the top four.
But it must begin this afternoon with what could be a tricky contest if the Eagles aren’t ready to play. Last season they demolished the Lions by 98 points in Perth in Round 18, but fell two points short in the two teams’ Round 10 fixture.
Both sides have plenty of reasons why a win is a must this afternoon, but it should be the Eagles who take the points.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
If the Dockers want to make a statement and confirm their September credentials, it starts with a big game against the Premiers on Friday night.
Charlie Cameron should take plenty away from kicking five goals in an obliteration of Richmond against the Hawks.
Bayley Fritsch should become an even more important player from a structural perspective, given key forward Jacob van Rooyen will be unavailable due to concussion.
Tom Hawkins returns to familiar surroundings of Geelong - but is it the tonic he needs to regain some of his confidence back after a goalless four games.
Following in the lead of competitions like the NRL, NFL and NBA, the Australian Football League is considering introducing a radical plan to present…
Jeremy Finlayson should be a welcome addition to the Port Adelaide forward line after kicking four goals in the SANFL last week.
