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Lions in 2019 are a different AFL beast

3 minute read

Flying high after back-to-back AFL wins, Brisbane host Port Adelaide with both teams aiming to continue their unbeaten starts to the 2019 season.

KEN HINKLEY the coach of the Power looks on during a Port Adelaide Power AFL training session at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia.
KEN HINKLEY the coach of the Power looks on during a Port Adelaide Power AFL training session at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

A year is a long time in football, just ask Brisbane and Port Adelaide.

The two teams meet at the Gabba on Saturday in an AFL match-up that's a far cry from the corresponding round three fixture last year.

In 2018 the Power went to the top of the ladder with a five-point win at Adelaide Oval while the Lions slumped to an 0-3 record.

Brisbane are a different opponent for Ken Hinkley's men in 2019 however having accounted for premiers West Coast in round one and North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium last weekend.

"Twelve months ago both teams were fairly different," Lions coach Chris Fagan said.

"It'll be Interesting to see how both clubs have progressed over the year."

Brisbane were given a pre-game boost with recruit Lincoln McCarthy cleared to play after proving his fitness from a rib cartilage injury.

It means the Lions will head into the match with an unchanged line-up for the third week running.

After beating the Kangaroos for the first time in seven matches last weekend, Fagan's men face another bogey team in the Power.

Port have won the past five against the Lions and Fagan said going three-from-three for the first time since 2010 would be a big moment for his team.

"We're aware of the fact they're a team that has dominated us, just like North had last week," Fagan said.

"On our journey if we want to be any good we've got to start beating a few of these teams, so it's natural enough we set ourselves to do that."

The Lions will also face former captain Tom Rockliff after he proved his fitness earlier in the week.

"It'll be interesting for him," Fagan said.

"I reckon the onus is on the guy coming home to play against his old club, there's a bit more pressure on him than there is on us."

KEY MATCH STATS

* Port Adelaide have won their past five matches against Brisbane

* Ex-Lions skipper Tom Rockliff has made a strong start to the year for Port and heads back to the Gabba averaging 40.5 disposals per game so far in 2019

* Lions ruckman Stef Martin is averaging 23.1 hitouts per game in 2019 and had a big influence in last week's win over North.

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