Final terms costing Lions in AFL

The fourth quarter has become the killer for Brisbane and they will need to be better as they try to break a seven-game AFL losing streak.

Although the Lions are bottom of the AFL ladder, they have shown signs of life and are a big chance against Melbourne on Sunday at the MCG.

Not surprisingly, Brisbane look better now that captain Tom Rockliff and Pearce Hanley are back from injury.

They will also regain ruck-forward Stefan Martin from suspension.

Brisbane have a five-game winning streak over Melbourne that started in round one, 2012.

The 15th-placed Demons had plenty of chances in their game last week, only to suffer a narrow loss against Essendon.

But Brisbane’s inability to score in the final quarter has been crucial over the past three weeks.

After being well-placed at three-quarter time against Adelaide, Sydney and Fremantle, Brisbane could only manage a total of 1.8 for the those last quarters.

“Energy levels always come in and out of footy teams over 22 weeks,” said coach Justin Leppitsch.

“Our energy has been good against quality opposition (but) we haven’t got over the line.

“Hopefully, our energy stays up and we can last a bit longer.

“If we do that, it would be more consistent with our gamestyling, we’ll score more freely and give ourselves a good chance to win.

Along with Martin, the Lions have recalled Ryan Harwood and Mitch Robinson.

Melbourne are unchanged, a rarity for the rebuilding Demons.

An obvious key for Melbourne will be their attack.

They kicked a wasteful 7.18 last week and lost to Essendon despite having six more scoring shots.

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