Melbourne and Brisbane, two teams familiar with high-stakes encounters, find themselves at different junctures as they head into their round five showdown on Thursday.

The Demons aim to continue their impressive run, seeking a fifth consecutive win before a scheduled bye. Conversely, the Lions are coming off their first win of the season and are looking to prove their mettle against a team that’s been performing among the top four.

With four teams yet to secure a win, all eyes are on Adelaide, facing significant pressure to reverse its fortunes in an upcoming away game against Carlton on Saturday.

This round presents a series of intriguing matchups and potential game-changers, along with predictions for each game.

Significance of the Matchup

Melbourne, with a 4-1 record, has recently showcased their strength by overcoming South Australian teams on their own soil and now aims for a fifth consecutive victory to solidify their position before a break. Despite their early success, the Demons must remain vigilant against Brisbane, a team eager to demonstrate resilience.

Brisbane, at 1-3, managed to defeat North Melbourne for their initial win of the season but now faces a more formidable opponent in Melbourne, while also trying to overcome a challenging history at the MCG. With only three wins out of the last 28 games at this venue, the Lions, however, find a glimmer of hope in their previous successes against the Demons, including a notable semi-final win in 2022.

Key Players

Steven May of Melbourne has quickly bounced back from an injury, showcasing his tenacity with significant contributions in the recent game against Adelaide. His resilience and defensive prowess will be crucial as Brisbane’s forwards strive to make an impact.

Dayne Zorko of Brisbane has displayed remarkable versatility, impacting both defensively and offensively. His performance against North Melbourne highlighted his ability to adapt, suggesting he might assume a strategic role to challenge Melbourne’s scoring capabilities.