SUMMARY
For different reasons, this is an absolutely crucial match for both teams. After a slow start to the season, the Eagles are just starting to get some troops back and are expected to start charging up the ladder. They looked a different outfit with a Nic Naitanui cameo last week and will come to Brisbane as favourites, but they did so in the corresponding match last year and went home with their wings clipped. They have the same 2-4 record, but the Lions are stagnating and were taught a lesson in toughness by the Swans last week. They'd see this as one of the genuinely few winnable matches in a brutal two month stretch and must put up a good show for both coach Michael Voss and the supporters.

WHERE AND WHEN: The Gabba, Saturday May 11, 2.10pm


LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 18, 2012, West Coast 28.7 (175) d Brisbane Lions 12.5 (77) at Patersons Stadium
Rd 10, 2012, Brisbane Lions 16.6 (102) d West Coast 15.10 (100) at the Gabba
Rd 23, 2011, West Coast 13.11 (89) d Brisbane Lions 11.15 (81) at the Gabba
Rd 19, 2010, Brisbane Lions 10.10 (70) d West Coast 9.11 (65) at Patersons Stadium
Rd 1, 2010, Brisbane Lions 16.18 (114) d West Coast 12.10 (82) at the Gabba

THE SIX POINTS
1. It was one win each in 2012; in round 10 at the Gabba the Lions were upset two point winners, while the Eagles turned the tables with a 98-point thumping at Patersons Stadium in round 18.

2. This will be the 42nd clash between the teams and West Coast holds a clear advantage winning 28 times to 12, with one draw. At the Gabba, it is eight wins apiece.

3. Michael Voss holds the advantage in the head-to-head coaching match-up with John Worsfold, winning four games to two.

4. The Lions have struggled offensively in 2013, averaging 78 points per game, ranking them second last, while the Eagles at ranked sixth with 106 per game.

5. No team has taken more contested marks this season than West Coast, while the Lions have taken the least.

6. West Coast has laid the most tackles of any team so far in 2013. The Lions are ranked ninth.