Preview: Brisbane Lions v St Kilda

VENUE & TIME: Gabba, Sunday 25 May, 1:10pm AEST.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 35: Brisbane 19, St Kilda 16.
LAST TIME: Brisbane 15.12 (102) def. St Kilda 7.8 (50), Round 2, 2007 at the Gabba.

WALKING WOUNDED: Nigel Lappin (Achilles) is the Lions' most pressing concern and still faces at least two weeks on the sidelines. Robert Copeland (rolled ankle) is expected to fit for the clash, while Wayde Mills and Patrick Garner are also available. Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt and on-baller Steven Baker will both have their sore knees tested at training. Xavier Clarke (hamstring) is a couple of weeks from resuming, while Sam Gilbert faces another 2-4 weeks watching on. And of course, Fraser Gehrig has been placed on the long-term injury list after suffering leg and groin problems.

FORM: The Lions' form line has been up and down all year with its last month reading losses to unbeaten premiership favourites Hawthorn and Geelong, and wins over strugglers Melbourne and Carlton. The Saints escaped with a three-point win over Richmond before the Hall of Fame match before succumbing to Collingwood last weekend.

WHO'S HOT: Silky Lions' midfielder Simon Black returned from a two-week break (including the Hall of Fame match) to devastating effect against the Blues with 28 disposals and two goals in a best-on-ground performance. He is now averaging 27.9 possessions per game this year. Luke Ball was superb in the loss to Collingwood with 30 touches but his work around the stoppages this year has been even more impressive, the 23-year-old last week laying eight tackles and getting eight clearances for his team.

WE THINK: Both teams sit at 4-4 for the season but it's the Lions who have been travelling slightly better this year. They were competitive for three quarters in losses to the Hawks and Cats, and will be determined to record successive wins for the first time this season. It sounds obvious but without Gehrig, and if Riewoldt fails to come up, the Saints will struggle to kick goals. And with powerhouse Jonathan Brown, Simon Black, Luke Power and Daniel Bradshaw all in good nick, this represents a great chance for Brisbane to consolidate its spot in the eight.