SO FAR THIS YEAR:

The Lions have struggled as much as the Bombers in 2016. They sit in 17th position, with their only win for the season coming against the Gold Coast Suns in round 4. Hampered by injury, the Lions have continued to field one of the youngest teams in the AFL so far this year, with the average player age 23 years old and with only 63 games of experience. While the season may not be what they have hoped for, they will still bring plenty to the table this Sunday afternoon.

THE TEAM:

B: Gardiner, Merrett, Cutler
HB: Dawson, Andrews, Mayes
C: Rockliff, Keays, Bewick
HF: Hanley, Hammelmann, Hipwood
F: Green, Schache, Bastinac
R: Martin, Rich, Robinson
IC: Walker, Mathieson, Zorko, William
Em: Jansen, Lester, Smith

In: Merrett, Dawson, Walker
Out: Jansen (omitted), Lester (omitted), McStay (leg)

 

THE NUMBERS:

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Dayne Zorko:

Zorko has been the Lions most consistent player in 2016 and has shown great leadership on the field as the vice-captain. The 27 year old has played an important role for the Lions in the midfield averaging 24.3 disposals per game. He has backed this up with 17 goals for the season, proving that he is a player that the Bombers must hold accountable. With Craig Bird missing from the line up, the boys will have to ensure that they work together to stop Zorko from getting on a roll. 

Daniel Merrett:

The Lions' spiritual leader returns to the team this week after illness kept him out of last week's game. While he hasn't had a season that would satisfy his own high standards, the defender adds great experience to an otherwise young Lions defence. It is likely that he will spend most of his time with Joe Daniher on Sunday, meaning that the other Essendon forwards will need to be at the top of their game.

Josh Schache:

Lions' fans will have been pleased with what they have seen from these two youngsters in 2016. The Lions' second pick in last year's draft has been classy on field, showing plenty of good signs for the future. He has kicked 16 goals 17 behinds and is averaging four marks and nine disposals per game. At 199cm tall, the Bombers can't afford to ignore the youngster on Sunday afternoon.