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Shayne Hope

Lions out to snap SCG hoodoo in AFL test

Marcus Adams is hoping the Brisbane Lions can upset the Sydney Swans in their favoured backyard. (AAP)

The AFL venue most similar in shape to Brisbane's Gabba home has not been a happy hunting ground for the Lions for well over a decade.

The Queensland side is in the midst of a drought at the SCG that dates back to 2009, when veteran defender Daniel Rich, now their most experienced player, was in his rookie season.

The barren run includes five straight losses to home team Sydney and even one against Geelong, when the global pandemic led to many fixtures being played on neutral turf.

Brisbane get another shot at the Swans on Sunday when third meets fourth in an early litmus test for both sides.

"They're super tough to beat down there," Lions defender Marcus Adams said.

"It's a big challenge for us and one we're all looking forward to."

The SCG has long held the reputation as the 'postage stamp' of AFL grounds but is listed in the league's official guide as being just one metre shorter and narrower than the Gabba.

"It's pretty similar with the cricket pitch in the middle," Adams said.

"I don't know if the ground itself makes too much difference, it's just they're extremely accustomed to playing there.

"They play it really well so it's a great advantage to them and something we'll look to take off them."

Sydney lost tall bookends Paddy McCartin and Logan McDonald to concussion in their win over Hawthorn in round six, recalling Sam Reid and the energetic Tom Papley to face Brisbane.

The Lions have named an unchanged line-up after a strong win over Gold Coast, but are still searching for top gear as they seek a deep run into September.

"We've been lucky to keep on winning games early in the season," Adams said.

"It's important to get the season off to a good start because we were sort of chasing our tails throughout last year, but we certainly haven't played at the level that we want to get to.

"Ultimately, we're not just chasing wins, we're trying to chase our best football.

"If we can continue to build on that throughout the year, that's something we're continually working on."

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