Lachie Neale says the absence of Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver only creates more headaches as the Brisbane Lions do their homework ahead of a rare MCG visit.
Oliver (hamstring) remains sidelined for the third-against-fourth clash on Friday that will be only the Lions’ second visit to the venue this season.
Christian Petracca was used effectively forward of the ball in the Demons’ defeat of St Kilda last week, with Neale admitting Melbourne’s set-up had become less predictable with Oliver out of the picture.
“In the midfield now, we don’t really know how they’ll set up,” he said.
“Petracca played a bit more of a forward role and was very damaging; still attended quite a few centre bounces but still drifted forward.
“James Jordan, Tom Sparrow, Angus Brayshaw are getting a lot of opportunity.
“Oliver’s a great player but it throws a different look at teams … it’s a great test for us.”
Brisbane midfielder Josh Dunkley (calf) could miss a second game, with Jarryd Lyons proving a capable replacement in the Lions’ thumping of West Coast last week.
The Lions won’t play at the MCG again until finals and have lost their last 12 previous regular-season clashes at the venue.
They did upset the Demons at the ground in last season’s semi-final, though, and Neale said after a shock loss to Hawthorn there earlier this season, Brisbane would relish the occasion.
“We just want to make the most of it; excited to go to that place and play,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to get back to Melbourne and try to beat one of the best teams in the comp.”
