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The Brisbane Lions have finally notched their second win of season 2016, defeating Essendon by 37 points on Sunday.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Brisbane Lions 20-8-128
Essendon Bombers 12-19-91
An intriguing battle for the wooden spoon takes place this afternoon when the Essendon Bombers take on the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1.10pm (AEST).
A loss to the Brisbane Lions could mean the end for coach Justin Leppitsch, who has been under increasing pressure as the Lions stretch their losing streak to 12 games.
Another loss against the pre-season wooden spoon favourites could be the last straw, although Lions powerbroker Leigh Matthews has said the club will continue to support the beleaguered coach.
The Bombers are on an even greater losing streak of 14 games, but have shown in recent weeks that a win may just be around the corner. Poor kicking for goal has proven costly as the Bombers have had more scoring shots than their opponents in the past two weeks.
Last week against the Tigers, the Bombers got within one point late in the last quarter before Richmond steadied to kick the last three goals.
The Lions are coming off a 79-point thrashing against the Giants, who had 115 more disposals and nearly 30 more inside 50s. The Giants also had 52 more contested possessions.
But they showed a couple of weeks ago against the Suns that, when they get it right, they can be a handful. Some of their youngsters stood up, such as Rhys Mathieson with 24 disposals and Eric Hipwood with four goals, and gave the Lions some hope that not all is lost.
Prediction
The Lions have tended to start games well but have been poor in the middle part of the game. The Bombers generally have a good game if they start well. A key duel will be in the ruck where the Bombers’ Matthew Leuenberger will play against his old team for the first time facing the Lions’ Stefan Martin. Leuenberger will have a point to prove against Martin, who beat him out as Brisbane’s best ruckman last season.
With the better recent form, the Bombers should win their second game of the season and heap more pressure on Leppitsch and the Lions.
Bombers by 25.
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