Gabba will play host to Friday's Round 23 AFL game between Brisbane Lions and Melbourne Demons. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Brisbane Lions heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Brisbane Lions vs. Melbourne Demons game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday August 19, 2022 at 7:50 pm
Where: Gabba
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Odds
Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Preview
Stress levels will be high at the Gabba on Friday night with the winner guaranteed a top-four finish, and the loser almost assured a home elimination final in a fortnight’s time.
Despite last week’s win over St Kilda, Brisbane’s top-four hopes still hang in the balance with Collingwood and Fremantle breathing down their neck, while the Dees, fresh from a last-second win over Carlton, face a similar scenario tied on points.
Neither side has exactly set the world on fire over the last month, both winning two of their last three and struggling to play out a full four quarters.
Brisbane nearly let a a comfortable lead slip through its fingertips for the second week in a row against the Saints, while the Dees were lucky to capitalise on a late Blues error that eventually set up Kozzie Pickett’s game-winner.
Looking back, Lions fans probably have more to feel nervous about.
Their club failed to show up on the big stage against the Dees back in Round 15, a disheartening 64-point loss that cast plenty of doubt around Brisbane’s flag credentials and their ability to win at the MCG.
The Lions have now lost three in a row to Melbourne dating back to last year, and although they’ve been almost impossible to beat at the Gabba, their back-line has looked shaky in recent weeks with Harris Andrews coming under fire.
Low-scoring games and inaccuracy in front of goal has been a common theme for the Dees this year, but they’ve still been the third-best side in the competition when it comes to getting the ball inside 50.
A comfortable win could prove vital for either team with the Swans only sitting second on percentage, but when you look at how these two sides are trending right now, it feels like we’re in for a close one.
For Brisbane to win, the Lions need the best version’s of Joe Daniher and Charlie Cameron to turn up – something that has been missing in recent weeks. And for the Dees, they simply need to avoid the third quarter woes that nearly cost them last week.
Winning the clearances will also be crucial, but with the Lions showing on a handful of occasions that they aren’t to be trusted when the pressure is on, the Dees look a good bet in what should be a nail-biter.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Demons to win at $2.05 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Bayley Fritsch at $9.00.
Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Teams
LIONS
B: Gardiner, Payne, Rich
HB: Starcevich, Andrews, Coleman
C: Bailey, Zorko, McCluggage
HF: Rayner, Hipwood, McCarthy
F: McStay, Daniher, Cameron
FOLL: McInerney, Neale, J.Berry
I/C: Lyons, Prior, Mathieson, Answerth
EMG: Lohmann, Robinson, Fort, Lester
IN: Nil
OUT: Lester (sub)
DEMONS
B: Petty, Lever, Salem
HB: Rivers, May, Hibberd
C: Melksham, Oliver, Langdon
HF: Sparrow, Brown, Fritsch
F: Neal-Bullen, Jackson, Pickett
FOLL: Gawn, Viney, Petracca
I/C: Harmes, Spargo, Brayshaw, Hunt
EMG: Bedford, Bowey, Jordon, Smith
IN: Nil
OUT: Jordon (omitted)