Back for another year, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.
Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for the Round 5 Thursday night clash between Melbourne and Brisbane.
Melbourne
Harrison Petty to kick at least one goal
Brisbane hasn’t been great against opposition talls in 2024 with all of Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow, Jye Amiss and Brody Mihocek having strong games against them this campaign.
While tall forwards aren’t a strength of Melbourne, they’ve been buoyed by the return of Harrison Petty in recent weeks and the key target had his best game of the season last Thursday against Adelaide as he starts to get into his season.
Petty kicked 1.3 last Thursday and will again be one of Melbourne’s main options as they look to move the ball forward from the middle.
He should finish at least one of his chances on the big stage.
Max Gawn 15+ disposals
Max Gawn had an absolute fill-up last time he played Brisbane.
In that game at the MCG, Gawn helped himself to a ridiculous stat line of one goal, 29 disposals, five marks, 10 clearances and 39 hitouts.
With a favourable matchup at his advantage, Gawn will expect to have a big say again and 15 touches should be no issue for the big man.
He’s passed that 15-disposal marker in all of his last four games and should do that again here.
Lachlan Geleit
Brisbane
Charlie Cameron to kick multiple goals
Somewhat out of sorts to start the year, Charlie Cameron has kicked multiple goals on the last three occasions he’s played Melbourne.
With Demons defenders Steven May and Jake Lever roaming the air, the Lions will look for different ways to go inside 50 and Cameron looms as a key part.
A five-disposal, two-goal game would be a positive for Cameron against one of the league’s stingiest defence and the fact he's coming off two goals last week is another positive.
Hugh McCluggage to collect 25+ disposals, 5+ inside 50s
Hugh McCluggage is on an upward trend in 2024 and played one of the best games of his career last week against North Melbourne.
In a contract year, the 26-year-old is putting his best foot forward and with the Lions managing an ankle concern for fellow midfielder Lachie Neale, McCluggage’s midfield time is safe as houses.
Watch out for the star midfielder to cement his status as one of 2024’s most sought after signatures with a big performance on the MCG.
Seb Mottram
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