After slow starts to the season, the NAB Cup grand finalists meet on the back of strong last-start victories. The Lions produced the upset of the season with a 10-point win over Essendon, while Carlton moved within a game of the eight after a solid 18-point triumph over Port Adelaide. Following a disastrous first month, the Lions have started to look like the team that waltzed to the pre-season title, but will be without suspended key defenders Daniel Merrett and Justin Clarke. Carlton also had a horror start, but aside from a recent hiccup against St Kilda, is starting to fly. Carlton’s array of dangerous small forwards – Jeff Garlett, Mitch Robinson and, after last week’s performance against the Power, Marc Murphy – loom as potential match-winners. The Lions are significantly better at home than away, so toss a coin here.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Saturday May 25, 7.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 20, 2012: Carlton 17.11 (113) d Brisbane Lions 10.17 (77) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 2, 2012: Carlton 23.16 (154) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at the Gabba
Rd 12, 2011: Carlton 19.10 (124) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 14, 2010: Carlton 18.12 (120) d Brisbane Lions 9.11 (65) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 2, 2010: Brisbane Lions 16.11 (107) d Carlton 12.16 (88) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. Brisbane and Carlton clashed twice in 2012, with the Blues winning both times – by 91 points in round two at the Gabba and by six goals in round 20 at Etihad Stadium.
2. The Blues have dominated the Lions recently, winning the past four clashes by an average margin of 61 points.
3. This will be the 43rd meeting between the clubs, with Carlton holding a 26-16 advantage. The Lions have won eight of the 14 matches at the Gabba.
4. Carlton champion Chris Judd has enjoyed an outstanding career against the Lions, polling 21 Brownlow votes, including five best-on-ground performances.
5. The Lions have struggled offensively this season with an average of 81 points per game. Carlton is averaging 101 per game.
6. Some of the best most exciting ball users in the game could be matched up, with Eddie Betts (sixth) and Jeff Garlett (10th) ranked among the top-10 attackers by the Official Player Ratings. Lions small defender Pearce Hanley squeezes into ninth at his end of the ground.
