It's the battle of the bottom-dwellers as Brisbane and North Melbourne face off in a clash of the AFL's wooden spoon contenders. Both teams have endured dismal seasons, winning just two games apiece, and will be desperate to avoid finishing with the unwanted accolade.
Brisbane, under the guidance of first-year coach Chris Fagan, have shown some promising signs in recent weeks, but consistency has eluded them. The Lions have a talented young list, led by skipper Dayne Zorko and rising star Charlie Cameron, but they have been unable to translate their potential into wins.
North Melbourne, on the other hand, have been in a state of disarray all season. The Kangaroos parted ways with coach Brad Scott in mid-season and have struggled to find any form under caretaker coach Rhyce Shaw. Their only wins have come against fellow strugglers Gold Coast and Carlton.
On paper, Brisbane would appear to have the edge. They have more quality players and have shown more promise in recent weeks. However, North Melbourne have a history of rising to the occasion against the bottom teams. In their last meeting in Round 10, the Kangaroos upset the Lions by 13 points.
It's hard to predict which team will prevail in this clash of the strugglers. Brisbane will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon, while North Melbourne will be looking to end their season on a high. It could be a close and entertaining contest, but Brisbane would have to be considered the slight favorites.
Key matchup: Charlie Cameron (Brisbane) vs Luke McDonald (North Melbourne)
Cameron is one of the most exciting young players in the AFL and has been a shining light for Brisbane this season. McDonald is a reliable defender who has been one of North Melbourne's few consistent performers. This matchup could be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.
Prediction: Brisbane by 12 points