Roar Guru
The Brisbane Lions will be looking for their first win of the season, but it won’t be easy as they take on reigning premiers, the Richmond Tigers at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2:10pm (AEST).
The Lions have been good this year and have shown huge promise to their success-starved fan-base, but they are yet to take the points in any of the three matches.
They came closest last week, when they challenged Port Adelaide until the final seconds, where they ultimately came up short, going down by five points at the Adelaide Oval. Stef Martin was again the best for Brisbane, with 30 touches, and 49 hit outs, while new recruit Charlie Cameron had three goals.
The task for their first win of the year does not get any easier, as they come up against a rampaging Richmond outfit, who are on the hunt to go back-to-back in 2018.
The Tigers were outstanding against Hawthorn last Sunday. They got out to an early lead, and never let it go, and though they were challenged late by the Hawks, they eventually got over the line by 13 points. Captain Trent Cotchin was among the best with 31 touches, while Jack Riewoldt booted four goals.
Newbie Jack Higgins makes way for the Tigers, along with Sam Lloyd, as Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy return. For the Lions, they welcome back star midfielder Dayne Beams, and debutant Zac Bailey, with Ryan Lester and Cedric Cox missing out.
Players to Watch
Richmond: Dustin Martin
Who else but Dusty? The 2017 Brownlow Medallist had a quiet game last week. Well, quiet by his standards. He will want to dust off (pun intended) last week’s individual performance and come out firing against the Lions.
Brisbane: Stefan Martin
Stef Martin has had an outstanding start to the 2018 season. The former Demon nearly single-handedly brought the Lions over the line last week and will be hoping to go one step further this week and bring Brisbane a famous win.
Prediction
The Lions were good last week against a good Port Adelaide side, but they are against a side have hit their strides. Richmond will be good, the Lions will challenge, but it won’t be enough.
Richmond by 30 points.
Can Brisbane bring up their first win of the year? Or will Richmond continue their march and make it three and one to start the season? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2:10pm (AEST).
Follow Dylan on Twitter @dylcarmody77