Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs

Saturday 5 September 2015

1:45pm, GABBA

 

Sitting in 18th place, Brisbane have posted three wins from 21 games this season.

Despite their ladder position, there have been some positives for the Lions thanks to the form of Stefan Martin and Dayne Zorko, and off-season acquisitions Dayne Beams, Mitch Robinson and Allen Christensen.

Led by ruckman Martin and Beams, the Lions sit fourth in the competition for clearances.

Coach Justin Leppitsch had this to say after his side’s round 22 loss to Hawthorn.

“We actually won contested possession, so a couple of good things in there, but our bad patches are really bad. That’s really it.

“There were enough positive signs in the contest ad what we’re trying to do to go forward.

“Today’s target was contested possession and we won it, so I’m pleased with them for that.”

 

Brisbane Key Stats

-          #3 in league for stoppages (603)

-          #4 in league for clearances (850)

-          #6 in league for hit outs (977)

-          #10 in league for marks (1865)

-          #10 in league for centre clearances (247)

-          #10 in league for rebound 50s (795)

 

Players to Watch

Tom Rockliff

The skipper led from the front last week against the Hawks, picking up 45 disposals, three marks and an impressive 14 tackles. He’s sitting 10th in the league for tackles and maintains his aggressive approach on the footy. He’s averaging 23 disposals, eight tackles and four marks per game.

Stefan Martin

Martin has continued his form from late last season into 2015, averaging 31 hit outs per match. He sits fifth in the league for total hit outs (600). Martin is also averaging 21 disposals per game, with an ability to be just as effective around the ground.

 

Head to Head

Western Bulldogs 28

Brisbane 21

 

Last time we met

Western Bulldogs 22.14 (146) defeated Brisbane Lions 11.8 (74) at Etihad Stadium, round 12 2015.

 

Brisbane last three games

R22 2015 – Hawthorn 21.8 (134) defeated Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62)

R21 2015 – Adelaide 20.11 (131) defeated Brisbane 6.8 (44)

R20 2015 – Brisbane 20.11 (131) defeated Carlton 9.13 (67)