Melbourne v Brisbane

After a strong first half performance in their match against Hawthorn last week, the Dees couldnt get a sniff after the long break was over.

Smashed around the ground, Demons fans left the ground wondering when their young charges would ever start to show their full potential against stronger sides.

Brisbane, however, came up against a determined Bulldogs side, who ran the Lions ragged around Etihad Stadium.

The Lions would have been disappointed with the lackluster display, as they showed little resistance around the field. Their inability to score is also an ongoing concern, with the gaping hole left by skipper Jonathon Brown not getting any smaller.

The Brisbane coaches, however, would have noticed how easily the young Melbourne midfield were intimidated against the Hawks, and would hope experienced midfielders Simon Black and Luke Power could achieve similar results.

Melbourne looked extremely vulnerable coming out of defense last week, so expect the Lions to concentrate hard on pressuring the Demon defenders as they try to move the ball on.

Austin Wonaeamirri will play his first game in red and blue after regaining some fitness at Casey for the past few weeks. Cale Morton would be another welcome return if he can prove his fitness after a pre-season finger injury. Joining those two on the extended bench are Matthew Warnock, James Strauss and Jordan Gysberts.

Tom Collier and Aaron Cornelius join Jared Polec, who could make his debut, enter the squad for the Lions, who have yet to name any outs.

Melbourne legend and President Jimmy Stynes, usually quiet on on-field matters, took to the press to criticize his team after its unacceptable second half display last week.

And surely, nothing could whip the Dees into action quicker than a Jim Stynes spray.

They do look stronger across the field than a severely depleted Brisbane team, so expect the Demons to get their fans a touch more excited about their future this week.

Melbourne by 40

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40??

MFC by 11 points.

A danger game for the dees, one we should win but as much as it pains me to say i like the Lions to cover the 31.5 line. We had a scratchy pre season, were poor in the second half last week, are struggling to kick big scores, the lions beat us in the pre season match (admittedly we had a pretty weak side in), our mid field is struggling and they still have a pretty good one. Also it might be a little slippery which does not suit our game style, with its emphasis on transition from defence via precise kicking and slick handball.

I was at the game on sunday night and ithink the turning point was when rioli hit chunk from then on they had chunks man loose for about 5 or more minutes two points I want to make 1st why did no one remontrate with rioli for the hit and try to hold up the game while chunk was being looked after 2nd in todays game it does,nt take good sides long to get on top when you have a loose man causing havoc and we made them look 2nd rate when we did it to them in the 2nd quater

Looks like Campbell brown will be missing fron the Sun's line-up next week. He's been reported for throwing his elbow back and collecting Callum Ward in the head. i suggest 2-3 weeks.

Confirmed that Morton is the sub.

Big game today from Watts. I think this could be his breakout.

40??

MFC by 11 points.

Someone was on the money.

Confirmed that Morton is the sub.

Big game today from Watts. I think this could be his breakout.

Sorry mate, not this game. I think he needs to be put on the ball to build confidence... He will get there, just dont feel it this year.