LIVE AFL: All on the line as unchanged Lions, Demons battle for top four finish

Brisbane and Melbourne’s top four hopes go on the line in a final round blockbuster at the Gabba. The winner gets the double chance but for the loser, it could mean finishing as low as sixth.

It’s remarkable to think the Demons (15-6, 127.7%) could drop out of the top four, given their stunning 10 straight wins to start the season.

Brisbane (15-6, 124.1%) can secure their fourth straight top four finish with victory in front of home fans on Friday night.

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Christian Salem was a late withdrawal for the clash, with Jake Bowey coming in to the 22. James Jordon (Melbourne) and Mitch Robinson (Brisbane) are the medi subs.

This match gets underway at 7.50pm AEST from the Gabba.

Watch it live on Fox Footy (channel 504) from 7pm AEST.

Follow Brisbane v Melbourne in our live blog below!

QUARTER BY QUARTER MATCH REPORT

The Demons were fast out of the blocks with Kysaiah Pickett kicking the opening goal after just 21 seconds.

The Demons got the centre clearance through Angus Brayshaw, who had gone to Lion Lachie Neale, and when Max Gawn brought the ball to ground, Pickett pounced.

Melbourne had a second chance seconds later through another centre clearance, but Christian Petracca sent his snap wide.

Jake Lever was the surprise second goal kicker for the Dees when he went back and nailed his set shot right on the arc.

The goal is his first since 2017 – and his first as a Demon, after taking full advantage of a 50-metre penalty.

The Dees defender was certainly up and about after his goal as Melbourne quickly opened up a 20-point lead.

It took a Joe Daniher bomb to get the Lions on the board, with his set shot only just clearing Max Gawn on the goal line. But again, it was Melbourne out of the middle and Ben Brown capitalised.

“Melbourne would be very happy with this start,” commentator James Brayshaw said.

“They’ve come out of the blocks quick,” Brian Taylor added.

Tempers threatened to spill over when Ben Brown was assisted from the field after a big Cam Rayner tackle.

The Lion was reported for the incident as players including Jack Viney rushed in to remonstrate.

Brown’s face was slammed into the Gabba turf and he was sent from the field with his face bloodied.

“His head has really hit the turf there big time,” Taylor said.

“Look at the graze on his forehead and the left side of his eye!”

After the push and shove, it was Ed Langdon at the back of the pack to give Melbourne a 25-point lead late in the first term.

Spot fires continued to break out in the opening term with the crowd getting vocal.

A late second goal to Pickett ensured Melbourne opened up a 31-point quarter time lead.

The night only got worse for the Lions in the second term when Jarrod Berry limped from the field with an ankle injury.

Dan McStay gave the Lions “some hope” with their second goal for the night.

“They are going to need to come with a bit of a bang here in this quarter, if they possibly can,” Taylor said.

Daniher went a fingernail from kicking the Lions’ third goal, but Michael Hibberd got back in cover.

Youngster Luke Jackson showed why he is considered one of the best tall talents as he set up Ben Brown.

Brown, with bruising and grazes to his face, went back and slotted his second for the night to open up a 36-point lead.

“How about this from the two tall guys? 199cm, taps it to himself, picks it up and just drills it to the 200cm forward,” commentator Luke Hodge said.

Pickett then added a touch of class with his fourth goal for the night.

“The pick up, the selling of candy and then the execution of incredible skill – all in the one play,” Taylor praised.

“Melbourne’s pressure to just put body on whenever they get the chance, puts the Lions under pressure,” Hodge said.

“(Pickett) made it look so easy!”

The Demons kicked six straight goals in the second term to blow the margin out to 60 points in a “massive statement” to the rest of the competition.

“The Lions look shell-shocked,” commentator Daisy Pearce said.

 “They are just turning the ball over at will,” Hodge lamented.

By half time, Melbourne had a stunning 66-point lead.

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