Friday Focus: Essendon v Brisbane Lions

AT THE end of round four, Essendon was sitting second on the ladder after notching up its third win of the season, accounting for St Kilda by 31 points at Telstra Dome. It was a strong start from the Bombers.

But almost a month later, the Dons have been unable to add to that April 21 victory, having lost matches to Collingwood, Hawthorn and the Kangaroos respectively at an average of a tick over 24 points per match.

Along with the losses, Essendon's percentage has dropped significantly. In its past three rounds, it has managed a percentage of just 78.7 – ranking it 15th in the competition during this period.

This Saturday afternoon the Bombers host the Brisbane Lions. And if history is any judge, there are worrying trends for the Bombers, as the Lions have an excellent record against the red and black.

Essendon has lost nine of its past 11 encounters against the Lions, although the Bombers did win their most recent clash at Telstra Dome in round 17 last year by 37 points. The Dons only other win during this 11-match streak was round 16, 2003, also at Docklands.

It also equates to just two home wins from five Telstra Dome matches by the Dons.

The run started in round 10, 2001, in the match before which Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews famously quoted Arnold Schwarzenegger's line from Predator: "If it bleeds you can kill it".

This reference from Matthews came during Essendon's outstanding three-season period from 1999-2001 when the Bombers won 62 from 74 matches, which included the 2000 grand final.

But the Lions defeated the Dons twice in 2001, including in the Grand Final for the first of their three premierships.

This round Essendon not only has to thwart a potential four-game losing streak, it also must combat triple premiership superstar Jonathan Brown, who has been nothing short of brilliant against the Bombers in recent seasons.

His exploits against Essendon since 2004 have been extraordinary.

He has averaged 20 disposals, 13 marks, five contested marks, three inside 50s and five goals in four games.

Brown's standout performance against Essendon came on his return from suspension in round six, 2005, when he accumulated 20 disposals, 14 marks – including seven contested – and eight goals. It was a stunning individual display.

The 25-year-old clearly had the better of Essendon opponents Dustin Fletcher, Ty Zantuck and Ted Richards in 2005, while he also brushed aside Kepler Bradley and Scott Lucas in 2006.

Brown's overall record at Telstra Dome since the start of 2005 is also imposing. He has played five matches, claiming on average 21 disposals, 11 marks, three goals and three score assists. His most recent visit to Docklands, against Carlton in round five, produced three goals and a record seven goal assists.

The Dons will be hoping Brown can be restricted, as 2005 All-Australian full-back Ben Rutten managed last round. The big Lion booted just two goals and did not assist in any other scores, while Rutten had 15 disposals to Brown’s nine touches.

Still, quelling Brown's influence will be a massive task and it's a job more than likely to be given to an ex-triple premiership teammate – Mal Michael.

Michael has been one of the great full-backs of the past decade, which was highlighted when he led the competition's spoils for several seasons.

But in 2006, Michael conceded 54 goals to his direct opponents – the second most in the league behind Bulldog Brian Harris.

Already this year, Michael has conceded 17 goals – equal sixth most in the competition.

Michael conceded four goals against Fremantle's Chris Tarrant in round two, while Brendan Fevola booted six majors against him the following weekend. Since those outings, Michael has been solid, although he hasn't stood a player of the quality of Brown.

It looms as a fascinating one-on-one duel in an intriguing contest by two of the most dominant teams in the first part of this decade.

To view season highlights from Brown and Michael click here