The fifth game on Saturday for AFL Round 15 is between Brisbane Lions and North Melbourne Kangaroos. The opening bounce is set to commence at 7:40 PM with the game to be played at Gabba. The favourite for the match is away team North Melbourne Kangaroos. View our preview and teams for the game between Brisbane Lions and North Melbourne Kangaroos.
Round: Round 15 , June 28, 2014 , 7:40 PM
Stadium: Gabba
Weather: 25° Sunny.
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Tips: North Melbourne -36.5 at $1.92 with Sportsbet.com.au + get a $250 FREE BET
Preview: ON THE night retired Jonathan Brown will be paid tribute with a lap of honour at the Gabba, the Lions will embark on a new era without their triple premiership hero. After last week’s horrendous 83-point loss against Fremantle in wet Perth conditions, they come home to face another big challenge in North Melbourne. Although the Kangaroos have been criticised for being up and down with their form, one thing they have done well is travel interstate, with victories over West Coast, Fremantle and the Sydney Swans. The young Lions have shown they are far more competitive on home soil, but it’s hard to see them challenging a team pushing for a spot in the top four.
LAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2014, North Melbourne 17.23 (125) d Brisbane Lions 6.2 (38) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2013, Brisbane Lions 18.9 (117) d North Melbourne 17.3 (105) at Gabba
R4, 2013, North Melbourne 18.17 (125) d Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2012, North Melbourne 17.10 (112) d Brisbane Lions 15.6 (96) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2011, North Melbourne 17.20 (122) d Brisbane Lions 11.11 (77) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. North Melbourne’s 87-point thrashing of the Lions in round nine was its biggest win over them since the 94-point victory in round nine, 1989 at the MCG.
2. No team has kicked the ball less in 2014 than the Lions, with a total of 2410, compared to the Kangaroos, who are ranked fourth with 2741.
3. At the Gabba the Lions have dominated North Melbourne, winning 12 games to four, including the last five and nine of the last 10. The Kangaroos last won in Brisbane in 2005.
4. The Lions have taken the ball inside 50 less than any other team – ranked 18th and averaging only 41.4 a game – while North Melbourne isn’t much better at 14th with 48 a game.
5. At just 70.4 per cent disposal efficiency, the Lions are the worst team in the League, a far cry from the third-ranked Kangaroos (73.7 per cent).
6. Kangaroo Todd Goldstein (No.31) is moving in on West Coast’s Nic Naitanui (No.26) as the top ruckman according to the Official AFL Player Ratings. Goldstein moved to his career high mark after 13 disposals, 31 hit-outs and six tackles against Melbourne.
Teams:
BRISBANE
B Justin Clarke, Matt Maguire, Joel Patfull
HB Ryan Harwood, Daniel McStay, Jed Adcock
C Marco Paparone, Tom Rockliff, Sam Mayes
HF Dayne Zorko, Jack Redden, Lewis Taylor
F Rohan Bewick, Michael Close, Ryan Lester
FOLL Stefan Martin, Daniel Merrett, Pearce Hanley
I/C James Aish, Josh Green, Ashley McGrath, Claye Beams
EMG Jack Crisp, Jordan Lisle, Zac O’Brien
IN Daniel McStay, Ryan Lester, James Aish, Ashley McGrath
OUT Tom Cutler (Omitted), Zac O’Brien (Omitted),Nick Robertson (Omitted), Darcy Gardiner (rested)
NORTH MELBOURNE
B Luke McDonald, Scott D. Thompson, Lachlan Hansen
HB Shaun Atley, Michael Firrito, Aaron Mullett
C Sam Gibson, Andrew Swallow, Levi Greenwood
HF Nick Dal Santo, Aaron Black, Brent Harvey
F Ben Cunnington, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
FOLL Todd Goldstein, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac
I/C Brad McKenzie, Leigh Adams, Max Warren, Ben Brown
EMG Liam Anthony, Ben Jacobs, Majak Daw
IN Max Warren
OUT Robin Nahas (Shoulder)
