SUMMARY
These clubs are under severe pressure after horror starts to 2015 and a win in this game might be just the tonic needed to kick-start their seasons. The Brisbane Lions, touted by many as big improvers, are winless on the bottom of the ladder after five rounds.The 17th-placed Blues (1-4) capitulated meekly to the Magpies in coach Mick Malthouse's record-breaking game.Ex-Blue Mitch Robinson will be keen to do well against his former club while the Blues will be looking for better performances from their experienced players such as out-of-form midfielder Bryce Gibbs to lift them to a much-needed victory.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, May 10, 3.20pm AEDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R11, 2014, Brisbane Lions 14.14 (98) d Carlton 13.13 (91) at the Gabba
R9, 2013, Carlton 13.20 (98) d Brisbane Lions 12.13 (85) at the Gabba
R20, 2012, Carlton 17.11 (113) d Brisbane Lions 10.17 (77) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2012, Carlton 23.16 (154) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at the Gabba
R12, 2011, Carlton 19.10 (124) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Lions' midfield was the difference in their seven-point win over Carlton last season. Tom Rockliff starred with 36 disposals and 13 tackles, Jack Redden 28 touches and one goal and Pearce Hanley 22 disposals and nine tackles.
2. Despite their poor start to the season the Blues have been impressive in the centre clearances, ranked first with 16.2 a game. The Lions are equal 10th at 12.2.
3. The Lions' win in 2014 ended Carlton' five-game winning sequence between the clubs. Before last year the Lions had not won since round two, 2010, at the Gabba.
4. The Lions have struggled to get the ball inside 50 this season, ranked 17th with an average of 46.4 a game. They are ranked equal second last for marks inside 50 with only eight a match.
5. The Lions are ranked last in 2015 for contested marks, averaging 6.6 a game. Carlton has been impressive in this area, ranked equal sixth at 10.6 a match.
6. Lions midfielder Dayne Beams moved up nine places in the Official AFL Player Ratings, from No.52 overall to No.43, after picking up 31 disposals against the Suns last round.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Both clubs. They suffered embarrassing defeats last weekend and desperately need a win to lift their sagging spirits. As the Blues are at home, a loss for them would be particularly devastating.
PREDICTION: Carlton by 33 points
