SUMMARY
If ninth becomes the new eighth – and that's a big if – this match suddenly has something riding on it.
The Lions lost against Richmond last week but were competitive, and need to win their final three matches to have an outside chance of playing in September.
On top of Jonathan Brown's injury, the withdrawals of young key defender Justin Clarke (shoulder) and veteran midfielder Brent Moloney (hamstring) are big losses, but will be somewhat offset by the expected return of champion Simon Black from a nagging groin problem.
The GIANTS have hinted at resting Coleman Medal chance Jeremy Cameron, which would be a blow for the game, but a boost for the Lions.
WHERE AND WHEN: Gabba, Saturday August 17, 7.40pm (AEST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST TIME
R8, 2012, Brisbane 19.18 (132) d Greater Western Sydney 5.10 (40) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The teams have met just once previously, with the Lions winning by 92 points in round eight last season.
2. In the crushing win that day, makeshift forward Daniel Merrett had a day out, kicking a career-high seven goals – including five in the first quarter.
3. Kevin Sheedy has a good record coaching against the Bears/Lions, winning 19 of his 33 matches. At the Gabba it’s a different story though, with Sheedy winning four from 14, and none since round eight, 2000.
4. Sheedy first coached at the Gabba in round 14, 1981 with Essendon defeating Hawthorn. It was just his 14th league game as a coach.
5. GWS has the worst defence in the competition, conceding 134 points per game, 12 more than the next worst (Melbourne).
6. Lions midfielder Daniel Rich has been in cracking form since returning from a shoulder injury in round 13. After his 20 disposals (11 contested) against Richmond last week, Rich moved into the top 20 of the Official AFL Player Ratings for the first ever time, settling at number 18.
