Game Chat – QF2 – Melbourne vs Brisbane

Where and when: Adelaide Oval, Saturday 28th August at 7:30pm (AEST)

Last time they met: Round 12, 2021: Melbourne 14.13 (97) def Brisbane 11.9 (75) at Giants Stadium.

This was a tale of two halves. The Lions dominated possession and inside-50s in the first half, holding a 20 point lead at the main break. Lachie Neale worked hard in his return from injury helping himself to 25 possessions and 9 clearances for the match and Zac Bailey helped himself to 4 goals for the match.

Unfortunately, the Lions couldn’t maintain the rage as the Demons dominated after halftime. Petracca (26 possessions, 16 contested, 2 goals) and Oliver (26 possessions) controlled the midfield while McDonald and Pickett kicked 3 goals each as Melbourne outscored the Lions 9 goals to 3 goals in the second half.

Last five: Dees 4-1, Lions 4-1

Match Preview: It is go time for the Demons! They have played well against top 8 teams all season and last week’s great escape against the Cats earned them top spot and their best chance to win a premiership since… let’s say the 1970s!

The Lions are also in decent form and were the beneficiary of the Bulldogs’ late-season self-destruction as they clinched the fourth spot with their victory over West Coast. The relocation of this match to Adelaide only assists them further and, given the Demons’ tendency to disappoint their fans, the Lions will consider themselves a chance.

So, are the Demons up to the challenge? They certainly have the record against the other top sides and they stack up favourably in talent through their midfield and down the spine.

It all comes down to whether that little man in their heads starts to whisper doubts in their ears!

Thommo Watch: There are two main factors that will decide the victor.