SUMMARY
Even after a disappointing effort against the Western Bulldogs last week, Melbourne sits just outside the top eight and has a chance to maintain or better its position against the struggling Brisbane Lions. The Demons continue to be held back by their own inconsistency and will need to fix their defensive structure after problems against the Dogs. The Lions were pitiful against Collingwood on their home deck at the Gabba and are likely to head into the contest against the Demons without Dayne Beams (knee) and Tom Rockliff (hamstring).

Times are tough for Justin Leppitsch and the Lions. Picture: AFL Media

WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, May 22, 1.10pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R16, 2015, Melbourne 8.12 (60) d Brisbane Lions 4.12 (36) at the MCG
R19, 2014, Brisbane Lions 11.8 (74) d Melbourne 6.15 (51) Etihad Stadium
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 

THE SIX POINTS

1. The Demons are the No.1 centre clearance side in 2016, averaging 15.5 per game. The Lions are ranked 16th (11.3 per game).
2. The Demons are the most accurate team in front of goal in 2016. They have kicked 129.73 at 60 per cent efficiency. The Lions are 15th with 88 goals and 105 behinds at 46.1 per cent.
3. The Lions have had consecutive losses by a combined 155 points in the past two weeks. They have booted 17 goals to 41 in those contests.
4. Melbourne and the Lions meet for the 43rd time and not much separates the sides. The Demons have won 22 games to 20. The Demons' win in 2015 was their first over the Lions since 2011.
5. Heavily in Melbourne’s favour is its record against the Lions at the MCG, with 12 wins from 15 contests at the venue.
6. Demons defender Tom McDonald has risen seven spots in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, from 87th to 80th overall.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … 
Justin Leppitsch
The Lions need to respond after a seriously mediocre effort against the Magpies. Lions CEO Greg Swann reaffirmed the club was backing Leppitsch in after his recent one-year contract extension. But after questioning his own coaching after the loss to the Pies, Leppitsch's side would want to bounce back with a vengeance.

PREDICTION: Melbourne by 30 points