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Melbourne hosts Brisbane in an epic do-or-die semi-final to kick off the second week of the post-season, but the Lions have been hit with a big out.
The Demons (16-6 in home and away season, 130.5%) will be looking to bounce back from last week’s 22-point loss to the Sydney Swans as Simon Goodwin’s side goes into the clash unchanged.
Meanwhile the Lions (15-7, 119.3%) have made several changes from the side that narrowly ousted Richmond by two points last week as they hope to make amends for their 58-point loss to Melbourne in Round 23.
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The Lions lost Joe Daniher on Friday due to family reasons, with Tom Fullarton coming in to replace the star forward.
“The Club supports Joe’s decision to be with his family at this time and respects their privacy,” the club said.
There were no other late changes for the two sides, with Joel Smith (Melbourne) and Rhys Mathieson (Brisbane) named subs.
Demons skipper Max Gawn will play, but has been struggling with a few niggles in recent weeks, according to Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph.
“Max Gawn is banged up. He’s got a groin complaint,” Ralph told Fox Footy.
“He trained this week and was OK. He will take his spot in the side, but he’s been banged up with various ailments for the better part of the last 10 weeks.
“My understand is he’ll still play in the ruck and will play mostly in the ruck and try and get on top of Darcy Fort.”
QUARTER-BY-QUARTER MATCH REPORT
Lions skipper Dayne Zorko got his first touch in the opening minutes, and to no great surprise, received loud boos from the Demons fans following his sledging controversy with Harrison Petty last time these teams met.
“Here’s some early heat for Zorko to deal with from the Melbourne crowd.”
This match gets underway at 7:50pm AEST from the MCG.
Watch it live on Fox Footy (channel 504) from 6:50pm AEST.
Follow Melbourne v Brisbane in our live blog below!
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