MATCH PREVIEW: Brisbane v Gold Coast

NEAFL ROUND 19

Saturday, August 10, 2019
Brisbane Lions (1st) v Gold Coast Suns (8th)
Gabba, 12:55pm

SUMMARY

The final QClash NEAFL rivalry of the year takes place this weekend with the SUNS and Lions in two very contrasting scenarios.

The Lions wrapped up the minor premiership over the weekend with their big win over Southport with three rounds still to play.

The SUNS face a must win this weekend to stay in the finals race after coming off a bye.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 16, 2019: Brisbane 13.18 (96) defeated Gold Coast 2.5 (17) at the Gabba
Round 10, 2019: Brisbane 10.9 (69) defeated Gold Coast 5.9 (39) at Metricon Stadium
Round 4, 2019: Brisbane 24.15 (159) defeated Gold Coast 9.8 (62) at Metricon Stadium

TALKING POINTS

1. The Lions, in their 125-point victory against Southport last week, put on a masterclass. Kicking 170 points is always an impressive feat. However, considering the Lions kicked 16 behinds alongside their 26 goals, it could well have been more. Brisbane had a mammoth 75 inside 50s in the match as well, and the SUNS will need a huge defensive effort to stop the onslaught this week.

2. The SUNS returned to form in their last outing against a depleted GIANTS outfit at Metricon Stadium a fortnight ago. An eight-goal-to-one opening term set the tone as Jordan Murdoch, Brad Scheer and Jack Bowes led the disposals, and Connor Nutting booted four goals. However, the last time Gold Coast played Brisbane they were limited to just 2.5 (17) for the match.

3. In the last two games the Lions comfortably defeated Southport and Sydney the two sides touted to challenge the Lions in finals this season. Despite the results, the Lions didn’t have it all their own way the entire game. Last week against Southport the Lions only led by three goals at half time while Sydney led by a goal at half-time the week prior. A lot has been made of the Lions side this year with their class in the second half getting them to victory the last two weeks.

ROOKIE WATCH

Lions draftee Ely Smith had a day out against Southport last weekend picking up collecting 25 disposals, seven marks and a goal. Many pundits saw Ely Smith as a potential debutant this season for the senior side however the ongoing success of the AFL side has seen Ely Smith plying his trade in the NEAFL this season.

STATS THAT MATTER

Brisbane has won their last seven meetings against the SUNS at NEAFL level, a record spanning three seasons. If the SUNS are to win and keep their season alive it’ll have to buck a trend that dates back to 2017.

PREDICTION

The Lions to get up by 30 points.

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