THE BRISBANE Lions will be hoping their finest performance of the season against Gold Coast last weekend spurs the side on for the rest of 2014. The Lions' task of finding that consistency starts this week against Melbourne, in what shapes as a close duel. The Demons' ability to challenge Port Adelaide last week proves they have made some significant inroads in Paul Roos' first year as coach. With Roos signing on until the end of 2016, it will be interesting to see the direction he and the team take towards the back half of this season.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday August 3, 1.10pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2013, Brisbane Lions 13.16 (94) d Melbourne 11.9 (75) at TIO Stadium
R5, 2013, Brisbane Lions 17.20 (122) d Melbourne 14.10 (94) at the Gabba
R14, 2012, Brisbane Lions  18.14 (122) d Melbourne 8.13 (61) at the Gabba
R1, 2012, Brisbane Lions  17.17 (119) d Melbourne 11.12 (78) at the MCG
R3, 2011, Melbourne 12.10 (82) d Brisbane Lions  11.5 (71) at the MCG

Want to watch the game LIVE? Click here for your free trial of AFL Live Pass

THE SIX POINTS
1. Both these teams have struggled to take the ball inside 50. Melbourne is last in the competition, averaging 41.1 forward 50 entries a game, while the Lions are 16th at 44.5.

2. Melbourne coach Paul Roos says there is no Demon hoodoo at Etihad Stadium, but they have lost their past 18 games here – they haven't won at the venue since round 19, 2007.

3. Melbourne is the worst team in the League for clearances, averaging just 33.7 a game. The Lions are 14th for clearances, averaging 37.6 a game.

4.  The Demons have the wood on the Lions in Melbourne. Melbourne has had 13 wins from 16 contests in its home city against Brisbane.

5. The Lions topped 100 points in a game for the first time this year against Gold Coast last round. Melbourne is now the only team yet to pass the century in a game this season.

6. Dashing Lion Pearce Hanley collected a career-high 30.2 Official AFL Player Ratings points for his stellar game against Gold Coast in round 18. Melbourne’s  Rohan Bail scored a career-high 17.7 points against Port Adelaide.  

Prediction: Brisbane Lions by eight points