If anyone can understand Essendon's sorry plight, it is the Brisbane Lions - but the Bombers should not be expecting any sympathy at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Both AFL teams looked like emerging forces last season and again they have much in common in 2010 - for all the wrong reasons.

Bombers coach Matthew Knights is under the pump after their rollercoaster season hit a new low with successive losses by a total of 174 points.

The Lions have been even worse.

Indeed the only positive Lions coach Michael Voss can take from their horror run of 14 losses in 16 games is that he doesn't live in the AFL fish bowl of Melbourne.

Instead of sweating on his future like Knights, Voss is heading a sweeping club review with support from an as yet unnamed "household name in footy".

On paper, the match hardly inspires; 13th-placed Essendon (7-13 record) against No.14 Brisbane (6-14).

But Lions captain Jonathan Brown expects a mighty battle as both teams take a season of frustration out on each other.

"It's funny because this time last year we were probably the two exciting emerging sides," he said.

"And this year has been disappointing for both clubs, with a lot of off-field stuff spoken about the clubs as well.

"That's why I think it will probably be a pretty fierce battle on Sunday, both playing groups will want to be digging in and trying to get something out of the season.

"And both will want to be supporting their respective coaches, just to stick up for the club."

As much as he can relate to the Bombers' situation, Brown won't be showing any mercy when he runs out for his 200th AFL game after overcoming a knee injury.

"I am ready to go. I am keen to finish the year strongly," said Brown who had also been plagued by a groin/abdominal complaint this season.

"(But) you are always concerned about a club that has had a week like this.

"There's been a lot of talk about Matty Knights and there's board meetings."

As Knights keeps his fingers crossed over his future, Voss appears to be sitting pretty as he leads a club review overseen by new chairman Angus Johnson.

Voss and Lions CEO Michael Bowers will undertake the review with help from an independent football expert.

Former AFL club CEOs Peter Jackson and Bill Sanders have been linked to the role but Johnson - who took over from long serving chairman Tony Kelly this week - has hinted the appointment will go to a "household name in footy".

Brown doesn't expect sweeping changes: "There is just a bit of tinkering that needs to be done.

"I've got full confidence in the review process and I think it will be a huge help for Vossy to implement what needs to be implemented."

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