The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.
SUMMARY
After winning its first round one match under Brad Scott's coaching, North Melbourne will be confident of making it two from two against the Lions on Saturday. The Kangaroos haven't always had it their own way at the Gabba under Scott's leadership – losing three of its four matches there – but are favoured to reverse that trend here after a barnstorming finish to take care of Adelaide first up. The Lions lost to West Coast by 10 goals in their season-opener, but showed plenty of flair in topping 100 points, and with livewire Dayne Zorko back from suspension, should give the Kangaroos headaches with their speed. But if North are serious about taking the step to premiership contention, these are the games they have to win.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Saturday, April 2, 3.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2015, North Melbourne 16.14 (110) d Brisbane Lions 5.8 (38) at the Gabba
R2, 2015, North Melbourne 20.13 (133) d Brisbane Lions 7.9 (51) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2014, Brisbane Lions 10.10 (70) d North Melbourne 9.12 (66) at the Gabba
R9, 2014, North Melbourne 17.23 (125) d Brisbane Lions 6.2 (38) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2013, Brisbane Lions 18.9 (117) d North Melbourne 17.3 (105) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Kangaroos dominated most areas last time the teams met, with 28 more inside 50s and 17 more scoring shots. Drew Petrie and Ben Brown combined for seven goals – two more than the entire Lions team.
2. The Lions were overwhelmed in most statistical categories against the Eagles in round one, losing the disposals 438-323, marks 121-56, inside 50s 64-45 and scoring shots 36-27.
3. North Melbourne has dominated the Lions recently, winning seven of the past 10 matches, with four of those by more than 60 points. At the Gabba, the Lions lead 13-5, with last season's victory the Kangaroos' first at the venue since 2005.
4. The respective ruckmen starred in round one, with Todd Goldstein having 13 disposals, 44 hit-outs and seven tackles compared to Stefan Martin's 21 touches, 21 hit-outs and six clearances.
5. North Melbourne will be aiming to win their opening two games of a season for the first time since 2005. The Lions haven't won a game in the opening fortnight since 2012.
6. On the back of last week's 18 disposals, five marks, nine tackles and one goal, Shaun Higgins (no.98) has moved inside the top-100 of the Official AFL Player Ratings for the first time in his career.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Ryan Bastinac. After six seasons and 121 games for the Kangaroos, Bastinac switched to the Lions in the off-season. The 24-year-old was squeezed out of North Melbourne's midfield rotation last year and gets the perfect early-season opportunity to show what his former club is missing out on.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by 21 points
