1. Form
North Melbourne
Round 8: Lost to Port Adelaide by 2 points; 14.9.93 to 14.11.95
Round 7: Lost to Western Bulldogs by 18 points; 12.11.83 to 15.11.101
Round 6: Lost to West Coast by 25 points; 15.5.95 to 17.18.120
Season: 3-5, 12th, 112.22%
Three losses in a row leaves North two games outside of the eight. A fortnight away from the bye, the next two matches all of a sudden become season-defining.
Brisbane
Round 8: Defeated GWS by 92 points; 19.18.132 to 5.10.40
Round 7: Lost to Collingwood by 58 points; 8.10.58 to 17.14.116
Round 6: Lost to Essendon by 67 points; 19.15.129 to 9.8.62
Season: 3-5, 14th, 87.96%
A crushing win over the Giants on Sunday featured a career-high return from Daniel Merrett. He kicked seven goals to single-handedly outscore the Greater Western Sydney team. Alongside Jonathan Brown, the duo are beginning are starting to provide a physical presence inside the forward 50.
2. Flashback
Round 9, 2011, Gabba
North Melbourne 2.1.13, 6.7.43, 8.9.57, 8.11.59
Brisbane 2.3.15, 4.6.30, 7.10.52, 10.13.73
Goals: Edwards (3), Petrie (2), Thomas (2), Harvey (1)
Brownlow Medal: 3 - Jonathan Brown (BL), 2 - Andrew Swallow (NM), 1 - Simon Black (BL)
Luke Delaney debuted for North Melbourne on a wet night at the 'Gabba, and he was promptly given the task of containing a rampant Brown. 13 disposals, 11 marks and four goals were enough to earn Brown the three Brownlow votes and Brisbane the four points.
After Jay Schulz kicked seven goals against the Kangaroos on Saturday, much of the focus for Brad Scott’s men will be on preventing a similar occurrence with Brown. However, given his good form against North Melbourne (50 goals in 15 career matches), it could be easier said than done.
3. Waiting in the wings
North Melbourne
Liam Anthony
A best-on-ground performance for North Ballarat could see Liam Anthony straight back in. He is a proven ball-winner, and his run and carry may prove valuable if he’s given a chance.
Brisbane
Claye Beams
After an injury setback slowed the Rising Star nominee's progress, Beams has returned through the QAFL. While he may not be ready for inclusion this week, he is an exciting piece of the Brisbane future.
4. Key players
North Melbourne
Jack Ziebell
Despite a courageous effort against the Power, taking several heavy knocks, Ziebell was unable to drag North Melbourne across the line. So far in his matches against the Lions, Ziebell has been unable to have a big influence on the contest, something that he will no doubt be looking to change on Sunday.
Brisbane
Andrew Raines
The former Tiger is more than capable of blanketing the opposition’s stars. Considering Daniel Wells and Andrew Swallow both had quality outings against Port Adelaide, he may be in line for a shutdown role on either of the North duo.
5. Under the Radar
North Melbourne
Levi Greenwood
In his first full game for 2012, Greenwood's tagging job on Travis Boak was superb. Boak was unable to assert his usual influence on the game, and managed just 16 possessions for the day. Against a Brisbane midfield containing Simon Black and Daniel Rich, Greenwood looks set for another big task on the weekend.
Brisbane
Pearce Hanley
Leading his team in total kicks while providing strong run off the half-back line, the Irishman is a vital part of the Brisbane side without receiving the attention he deserves. In 2011 he was one of only five players to feature in all 22 games for the season and has played the first eight of 2012.
At almost four rebound-50's per match, Hanley could be the start of many Brisbane attacks if he’s allowed to roam free.
6. The use of the substitute
As Paul Stewart ran inside Port Adelaide's forward 50 to eventually kick the winning goal, his fresh legs were evident. The use of the sub has become a critical part of a team's armoury and after the success North Melbourne enjoyed using it in 2011 with the likes of Ben Speight, hasn’t had as much luck in 2012.
The starting substitute can have a big effect on a team and its result. Look no further than Speight against the Western Bulldogs last season as a prime example. Whoever is named as the sub will have a big role to play.
Brad McKenzie has taken on the role over the past fortnight, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be called upon again to don the green vest.
North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions
Sunday 27th May, 1.10pm EST
Etihad Stadium
