HEAD TO HEAD:
Played: 42
Essendon: 24
Brisbane: 16
Draw: 1
LAST FIVE TIMES:
R8, 2015, Essendon 21.10 (136) d Brisbane Lions 12.6 (78), Etihad Stadium
R8, 2014, Essendon 9.11 (65) d Brisbane Lions 8.9 (57), Gabba
R8, 2013, Brisbane Lions 14.12 (96) d Essendon 12.14 (86), Etihad Stadium
R6, 2012, Essendon 19.15 (129) d Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62), Etihad Stadium
R8, 2011, Essendon 15.12 (102) d Brisbane Lions 9.12 (66), Gabba
LAST TIME WE MET:
The Bombers celebrated a big win over the Lions the last time we met in Round 8 in 2015. It was also the last time that we won a game at Etihad Stadium, a record that we’ll be looking to break this Sunday. Joe Daniher had his kicking boots on, slotting a career best six goals and having an additional 11 score involvements. Adam Cooney was also one of our best with 19 disposals and three goals.
THIS TIME AROUND:
Both teams are desperately searching for just their second win of the season.
While there is not much on the line in terms of this year, there will be plenty of pride at stake for the Bombers who will be looking to avoid winning their first wooden spoon since 1933.
See the full teams for both sides here.
KEY PLAYERS:
We’ll be looking for Joe Daniher to once again light the stage on fire when he takes to Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The young forward has been building over the last few weeks and has kicked two or more goals in the last nine rounds. With more support from Mitch Brown and Orazio Fantasia, Daniher seems to be playing with more freedom allowing him to move up the ground and work his way into the game.
Matthew Leuenberger will face his old team for the first time since moving to the Bombers. The ex-Lion joined the Bombers in search of more time playing in the ruck and will surely be looking forward to coming up against his former teammate, Stefan Martin. Leuey played well last week in his first game back from injury, able to provide our midfielders with first use of the ball. We just hope that he has learned to make sure that he is in the clear before playing on in front of goal!
In the absence of James Gwilt, it stands to be a big week for Michael Hartley down in defence. The defender has been nothing short of impressive in his debut year for the Club, but we’ll need another big performance from him on Sunday. It will be a great test of his composure and one that he’ll surely be looking forward to.
THE HIGHLIGHT:
After a better month of footy from the boys, we’ll be hoping to leave Etihad Stadium with our second win of the season.
However, the real highlight for all fans will be the debut of Aaron Francis. While we’re not expecting him to set the world on fire, we’re definitely looking forward to finally seeing him run out in the senior team!
