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A horrendous miss from Brisbane rookie Cameron Rayner has handed North Melbourne a thrilling three-point AFL victory.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Brisbane Lions 16.8.104
North Melbourne Kangaroos 16.11.107
The Brisbane Lions welcome the North Melbourne Kangaroos in a game Brad Scott’s men simply have to win if they want to play finals football. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 2:10pm (AEST).
The Brisbane Lions were very good in patches last week against the Geelong Cats at Kardinia Park, but they weren’t able to maintain a solid level of performance for four quarters.
Still, they did plenty of good work to put North on notice, so Chris Fagan’s men will take some confidence from last week.
It is important to remember that the Lions have been very good of late. The younger players have really stood up, and that probably has been the difference between winning and losing this season for the club.
Eric Hipwood has shown his potential at times alongside Cam Rayner, who is no doubt going to be one of the best players in the competition down the line.
Dayne Beams has been the Lions’ best player this season, though. He was excellent last week reeling in 37 disposals and kicking the one goal. He looks like a player that is just getting better with age.
In team news for Brisbane, Ryan Lester and Jake Barrett are both omitted. Ryan Bastinac and debutant Brandon Starcevich come into the side.
The Lions will certainly fancy themselves this week after gaining some confidence over the past few weeks.
As for North Melbourne, it was an exceptional performance, especially the second half, against the West Coast Eagles down in Hobart last week.
The Roos have embraced playing down in Tasmania, and they made another very good side look average at Blundstone Arena.
Paul Ahern reeled in 37 disposals and showed why North got him across from the GWS Giants. Ben Cunnington was also excellent and continued his superb season with 39 touches.
The reality for the Roos is they need a win here against the Lions if they want to play finals football. Anything less will more than likely end their September hopes.
In team news for North, Shaun Higgins will miss after he required minor surgery on his knee throughout the week, but Jarrad Waite makes his return having not played for several months.
Prediction
Despite the absence of Higgins, North still have enough to get over the Lions. The fact it is a game the Kangaroos have to win should therefore mean they bring that energy and pressure they did against the Eagles, so I would expect them to prevail at the Gabba.
North Melbourne by 17.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 2:10pm (AEST).
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