Round Two
Adelaide v Brisbane Lions
Saturday, April 6 at 3:10pm (SA time)
The Gabba

Latest news
Leuenberger returns
Ruckman Matthew Leuenberger will return for his first game in almost 12 months as the Brisbane Lions host Adelaide this Saturday afternoon at the Gabba. Leuenberger, utility Ryan Lester, and tagger Andrew Raines have all been included in this week’s team in place of the injured Matt Maguire (calf), and Billy Longer and Aaron Cornelius, who have both been omitted.

Out of action (Estimates only)
Matt Maguire (Calf) – Test
Simon Black (Knee) – 3 weeks
Brent Staker (Knee) – 3 weeks
Michael Close (foot) – 3 weeks
Jesse O’Brien (adductor) – 5 weeks
Stephen Wrigley (ACL) – Season

Brisbane’s recent form
Western Bulldogs 19.13 (127) d Brisbane Lions 7.17 (59), Etihad Stadium

Recent form against Adelaide
2012, Round 21, Brisbane Lions 13.17 (95) d Adelaide 12.13 (85), Gabba
2011, Round 20, Adelaide 16.14 (110) d Brisbane Lions 16.9 (105), Gabba
2011, Round 10, Brisbane Lions 15.11 (101) d Adelaide 8.13 (61), AAMI Stadium
2010, Round 20, Adelaide 15.14 (104) d Brisbane Lions 13.19 (97), Gabba
2010, Round Nine, Adelaide 13.15 (93) d Brisbane Lions 11.15 (81), AAMI Stadium

Team
B: Mitch Golby, Daniel Merrett, Ryan Lester
HB: Jed Adcock, Joel Patfull, Elliot Yeo
C: Dayne Zorko, Tom Rockliff, Pearce Hanley
HF: James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Brown, Josh Green
F: Ash McGrath, Stefan Martin, Rohan Bewick
Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Daniel Rich, Brent Moloney
Int: Claye Beams, Patrick Karnezis, Andrew Raines, Jack Redden
Emer: Sam Mayes, Niall McKeever, Jack Crisp

IN: Matthew Leuenberger, Ryan Lester, Andrew Raines
OUT: Matt Maguire (calf), Aaron Cornelius, Billy Longer

Stats that matter
The Crows kicked the first six goals of the game to lead by 38 points at quarter time in the Round 21 clash between these two teams last season, but fell away in the second term and eventually slumped to a disappointing 10-point loss.

Daniel Rich was one of the keys to Brisbane’s comeback, kicking 2.2 from 22 possessions and earning three Brownlow Medal votes. Rich was kept to a career-low eight disposals by Western Bulldogs onballer Nick Lower last weekend.

The Lions executed fewer kicks (168) than any other team in the AFL in Round One.

The Crows have won three of their past five games against Brisbane, but trail 15-10 in the overall ledger.

Forward Scott Hodges holds the record for most Crows goals against the Brisbane Lions/Bears. Hodges piled on eight goals at Football Park in Round Six, 1992.

Star Crow Scott Thompson has averaged 31 possessions in his last four hit-outs against the Lions. Thompson collected 32 touches and two Brownlow Medal votes in the most recent meeting between the teams.

The Lions struggled to get their game going last weekend, but in the pre-season competition they were the No.1 ranked side for disposal efficiency, long kicks and marks inside 50m.

News bites
Leuenberger returns
Ruckman Matthew Leuenberger will return for his first game in almost 12 months as the Brisbane Lions host Adelaide this Saturday afternoon at the Gabba. Leuenberger, utility Ryan Lester, and tagger Andrew Raines have all been included in this week’s team in place of the injured Matt Maguire (calf), and Billy Longer and Aaron Cornelius, who have both been omitted.

In the Mix – AFL.com.au
Ruckman Matthew Leuenberger comes right into the frame for a return against Adelaide on Saturday after playing a full game in the reserves at the weekend. Leuenberger played just two half games during the pre-season on his return from an Achilles injury and it will come down to whether Michael Voss thinks he has enough match conditioning. After being smashed at the stoppages against the Bulldogs, hard-nut Andrew Raines could also come into consideration after a solid showing in the twos.

Star Lion re-signs – AFL.com.au
BRISBANE Lions reigning club champion Joel Patfull has extended his contract until at least the end of 2015. Patfull, 28, joins fellow free agent Daniel Merrett in re-signing with the club in recent weeks.

Hanley free to face Crows - AFL.com.au
Lions defender Pearce Hanley has accepted a reprimand and now has 93.75 demerit points against his future record for engaging in rough conduct against Daniel Giansiracusa, Western Bulldogs, during the third quarter of the Round One match between the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs, played at Etihad Stadium on Saturday March 30, 2013.

Taggers need a good belting: Rockliff – AFL.com.au
THE BRISBANE Lions have vowed to provide more physical support for midfielder Daniel Rich after he was tagged out of Saturday's loss to the Western Bulldogs.