Lions can ‘chop up’ Melbourne to bury MCG demons: Aker

Brisbane nice Jason Akermanis desires the Lions to assault the hall in opposition to Melbourne or face getting “misplaced” once more within the MCG’s huge expanses.

The Lions, who’re third and two wins away from the fourth-placed Demons, head to the Melbourne cauldron for simply the second time this 12 months with no win of their 12 earlier – and uncommon – regular-season visits stretching again to 2014.

Whereas they did upset the Demons in a semi-final on the venue final 12 months – the Lions’ solely win in 11 journeys since Fagan arrived in 2017 – a shock loss to Hawthorn final month ensured the hoodoo stays.

Three-time premiership participant Akermanis has his theories, pointing to the additional width of the venue in comparison with the Gabba – formally measured at simply two metres regardless of claims it is as nice as 13m – and even the completely different grass that grows there as contributing elements.

“The width of the ‘G tends to trigger a little bit of bother, it is an additional kick and you will get caught out huge, you will get misplaced,” he stated.

“You want some good working however you must use and personal the hall and chop them up with 45’s (diploma handballs) or fast kicks coming inside.

“They do appear to be a bit hesitant enjoying there.

“And we might spend a variety of time earlier than the sport getting used to that bounce.

“It could bounce up actually excessive. It is so completely different to grass up right here or Perth, you simply have to be on prime of it.”

All however rolling his eyes when requested about these elements on Thursday, Fagan says he is heard all of it earlier than.

“I am sick of questions on the MCG to be sincere, however if you wish to preserve asking,” Fagan stated earlier than the group departed.

“We’re conscious about our MCG document, however we additionally received there three video games in the past, so we all know we are able to win there.

“It is a little bit bit wider and a little bit bit longer, we simply have not performed properly.”

The Lions have struggled there for the reason that membership’s 1996 merger, with simply 16 wins with one draw and 41 losses from their 58 visits.

“The look’s completely different in every single place you play … that is why groups have troubles coming to the Gabba and successful,” he stated.

“And that is really true; the grass at each floor is completely different, the floor at each floor is completely different, not simply the MCG.

“It is type of like, ‘Yep, inform me one thing we do not know’.”

The Lions have received 4 straight video games for the reason that Hawthorn stumble which some Lions have since pointed to as a line-in-the-sand second for the premiership hopefuls.

Lincoln McCarthy has been named to return for the Lions after serving a one-game suspension, whereas Jarrod Berry is again after overcoming a hamstring damage.

Melbourne pulled a serious choice shock by axing ruckman Brodie Grundy in favour of younger ahead Jacob van Rooyen.

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