In its first home and away game of the season, Brisbane found itself in a huge hole late in the third quarter against Collingwood.

A comeback in the final term amounted for nothing in the end, but provided some useful information for which areas of the ground will be critical during Sunday’s encounter at Etihad Stadium.

From a quarter time deficit of six points, Brisbane found itself with a 53-point deficit with minutes remaining in the third term. It was largely due to Collingwood being the superior team in the contest in dewy conditions at the Gabba.

However, once the Lions were able to find their footing, their late surge was due to a staggering dominance in scoring from clearances, as the numbers show.

Those who watched North’s match last Sunday against the Crows will instantly understand why this is important.

RELATED: Round 1 post-match wrap

As NMFC.com.au’s analysis of the Roos’ Round 1 clash showed, it was stoppages and the contest where the visitors were second best. The Crows were able to use their edge in the clearances as the platform for the rest of their game.

North had three goals from 10 clearances in the third term but it wasn’t enough overall.

Considering the above numbers, the contested ball and effectively defending clearances will likely be a focus area for both sides during the week on the training track.

Previous matches between North and Brisbane have been largely dependent on the venue. The home side has won 13 out of the last 14 contests, dating back to the start of 2007.

Using last season’s two matches as a guide, clearances and scoring from them will likely be a key point in the game once again this Sunday.

At Etihad in Round 9, the Kangaroos romped to an 87-point victory based on the back of their work in close. They had a five-goal edge in scores from clearances and a whopping +59 advantage in contested possessions.

However in the return meeting at the Gabba in Round 15, the Lions were able to bounce back and balance it out.

The edge in the Gabba match was more pronounced at half-time (31-17) before North almost pinched the four points with a desperate late charge.

With previous history showing what’s likely required to get the first four points of the season, it’s all set up for North to rebound from a disappointing Round 1.