This looks like a mismatch on paper, with second-placed Geelong (10-1) fresh from a bye up against the struggling Lions (3-8) coming back from Perth after losing to Fremantle. The Cats have lost just once this season and have dealt with the Lions comfortably in recent years, including two easy wins for Chris Scott in head-to-head coaching battles against his former premiership teammate Michael Voss. The Lions will be buoyed by the return of suspended duo Jonathan Brown and Daniel Merrett, which adds to last week's return of injured quartet Daniel Rich, Matthew Leuenberger, Tom Rockliff and Mitch Golby. Even with close to their best team on the field, it's hard to see the Lions challenging a Geelong team that has shown its capacity to bury opponents with exhilarating bursts.

WHERE AND WHEN: The Gabba, Sunday June 23, 4.40pm

Rd 5, 2012, Geelong 12.7 (79) d Brisbane Lions 4.17 (41) at the Gabba

Rd 17, 2011, Geelong 20.13 (133) d Brisbane Lions 15.14 (104) at the Gabba

Rd 17, 2010, Geelong 19.13 (127) d Brisbane Lions 9.10 (64) at Simonds Stadium

Rd 8, 2010, Geelong 24.11 (155) d Brisbane Lions 10.14 (74) at the Gabba

Rd 15, 2009, Brisbane Lions 16.12 (108) d Geelong 9.11 (65) at the Gabba

1. Tom Hawkins led Geelong to a comfortable 38-point win when the teams last met in round five, 2012. The big Cats forward kicked six goals in heavy, wet conditions.

2. The Cats have dominated the Lions recently, winning the past four contests and 10 of the past 11, including five by 50 points or more.

3. This will be the 40th clash between the clubs, with Geelong holding a 21-17 advantage, with one draw. It is seven wins apiece at the Gabba.

4. There haven’t been too many close games recently, with the last single-figure result the 2004 preliminary final at the MCG.

5. Geelong has one of the best offences in 2013, averaging 117 points per game compared to the Lions' 75. They are ranked fourth for disposals per game compared to the Lions' 15th.

6. Two of the best running defenders in the competition will be on the same field on Sunday. Cat Corey Enright is ranked sixth among defenders in the Official AFL Player Ratings, while Lions counterpart Pearce Hanley is up to ninth.