Last Time We Met

Brisbane 42 defeated Collingwood 34.

Round 15 at the Gabba was a low scoring affair, with Brisbane just getting the edge over a brave Pies side. Collingwood got off to a solid start, however it was Brisbane who got out to a 26 point lead mid way through the 3rd term. Three goals unanswered from the Pies got it back to a 8 point deficit, but it was too late as the Lions came away with the 4 points.

Jack Crisp had 30 disposals against his old side, alongside Scott Pendlebury who had 29. Mason Cox’s two goals were crucial in getting the Pies back in the game during the second half.

Key Match-Ups

The Midfield vs Lachie Neale
Geelong were able to keep Lions’ superstar Lachie Neale to just 3 touches at half time thanks to a huge body of work to prevent his ability to access the ball around the contest. The Pies will have to put in a similar effort if they want to prevent Neale from returning to his 2020 form on Thursday night.

Neale led the league for disposals in 2020, and was 5th in the competition for contested possessions. Combined with his ability to hit the scoreboard at an average of almost a goal a game, preventing Neale’s impact on the game will go a long way to 4 point for the Pies.

Darcy Moore vs Joe Daniher
Widely considered the best defender in the competition right now, Darcy Moore has been on fire after the first two rounds of the season. Darcy had 18 intercept possessions against Carlton,  the second most in Collingwood history behind Tom Langdon who had 20 in 2018.

Moore's job doesn’t get any easier on Thursday night when he’ll match up on Joe Daniher. Daniher was part of the All-Australian team in 2017, but since then has struggled with injury to get back to his best. Since moving north to Brisbane over the pre season, Daniher has looked dangerous. He kicked two goals against Sydney in round one, and has at least three scoring shots in both matches this season.

A player who thrives on confidence, it will be a big responsibility of Moore to ensure Daniher doesn’t get rolling under the roof of Marvel Stadium.

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Pressure Forwards vs Daniel Rich
Daniel Rich is a prime ball mover, his left foot capable of breaking the lines and lobbing opposition defenders; this is something the Collingwood forwards have to be aware of going into Thursday night’s clash.

Particularly with the new rule, preventing players from taking the mark from kick-ins closer than 15 meters, Daniel Rich’s kicking prowess has been devastating. It will be up to the likes of Will Hoskin-Elliott, Josh Thomas, Callum Brown and Jordan De Goey to put pressure on Rich to prevent him from having too much time on the ball.

Look Out For

Chris Mayne is back
Mayne will play his 231st game of AFL football on Thursday night as he comes into the side for the injured Jamie Elliott.

A versatile player, who’s proved his value for the Pies over multiple years in multiple positions, will give Bucks and the coaching staff added flexibility against the Lions.

“Mayney’s had a couple of solid weeks…his last couple of weeks have been pretty strong,” Bucks said in his press conference on Monday.

Brody Mihocek vs Brisbane
Starting 2021 in fine fashion with 5 goals in the first two games, Pies fans should expect this continue against the Lions on Thursday night.

Mihocek has kicked 8 goals across the 3 times he’s played against the Lions at an average of 2.6 goals per game, his highest average against any opposition.

The 28-year-old has also kicked 10 goals in 5 outings at Marvel Stadium. If history is anything to go by, Pies fans should look out for Brody to be at his high flying, goal kicking best.

The Inside Word

Forward structure reshape
With Jamie Elliott facing an extended period of time on the sidelines, the Pies will need to reshape the structure of the forward line without the presence of Billy.

Questioned about this during his press conference on Monday, Bucks confirmed the strategy the Pies will be taking to make up for his absence.

“We’re about playing your role and being able to cover for people who can’t be there, Jamie’s just another one of those we need to cover for.”

Pies Priority

It’s going to take a team effort to nullify the high energy, talented and tough Brisbane side.

During his press conference on Monday afternoon, Bucks was very clear about the respect the Pies will show the Lions on Thursday night.

• “We rate them and have a lot of respect for how Brisbane have carried themselves for a number of years.”

Despite being 0-2 to start the season, the Lions are a tough side and the Pies have to be ready for a contest.

AFL ROUND 3 v BRISBANE
Thursday 1 April
7.40pm (AEDT)
Marvel Stadium
#AFLPiesLions #gopies

IN: Chris Mayne
OUT: Jamie Elliott (injured), Trey Ruscoe (omitted)