MCG will play host to Friday's Round 25 AFL game between Melbourne Demons and Brisbane Lions. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Melbourne Demons heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Demons vs. Brisbane Lions game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday September 9, 2022 at 7:50 pm
Where: MCG
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Demons vs Brisbane Lions Odds
Melbourne Demons vs Brisbane Lions Preview
There are storylines aplenty heading into this much-anticipated rematch between the Dees and the Lions on Friday night.
Melbourne steps out at the ‘G hoping for a clean sweep over their inter-state foes just three weeks removed from a dominant 58-point, top-four clinching win at the Gabba.
Brisbane, on the other hand, has much more than just revenge in mind.
Skipper Dayne Zorko found himself embroiled in an on-field sledging controversy with Demons defender Harrison Petty when the clubs last met, but perhaps more pressing is the Lions’ 11-game losing streak at the MCG – a record that dates all the way back to 2014.
Both clubs will spend ample time reflecting on their previous two meetings, while there was also plenty to learn from last week’s results.
Like they have been for the last six weeks, the Dees were outmuscled by the red-hot Swans in the second half – a game Simon Goodwin would like to have back after his side succumbed to some intense pressure down the stretch.
To make matters worse, Christian Petracca has suffered a small fracture in his leg and a corked calf – although the star midfielder is expected to push through and play.
For Brisbane, Chris Fagan will be hoping his side can build on last week’s thrilling win over Richmond – just the second finals win of his coaching tenure.
Controversy aside, the Lions upped the pressure late in the fourth quarter on the back of a return to form from Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood, but there is concern in the ruck with Oscar McInerney still in doubt with a concussion.
Looking back, the Lions were their own worst enemies when these two sides met at the Gabba.
A decision to implement a “tough” brand of footy went haywire very early, and it will be interesting to see what kind of attitude and demeanor the Lions bring to the table this week.
Betting-wise, the Lions are certainly capable of taking it to the reigning premiers, though.
Snapping last week’s finals hoodoo will have inspired enormous confidence in the locker room, and anything close to another 39-disposal game from Lachie Neale will make them tough to beat.
The Dees haven’t been close to the dominant team we saw last year, and it’s fair to say their effort in the fourth quarter, as well as their issues winning the contested footy recently, have been obvious.
The Lions will need Daniher or another member of the forward line to go big, but with belief back and the Dees struggling to move the ball at times, the Lions upset could be on.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Demons to win at $1.32 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Bayley Fritsch at $9.00.
Melbourne Demons vs Brisbane Lions Teams
DEMONS
B: C.Salem, S.May, H.Petty
HB: A.Brayshaw, J.Lever, M.Hibberd
C: T.Sparrow, C.Oliver, E.Langdon
HF: J.Melksham, M.Gawn, J.Harmes
F: A.Neal-Bullen, B.Fritsch, C.Spargo
FOLL: L.Jackson, J.Viney, C.Petracca
I/C: T.Rivers, J.Hunt, K.Pickett, B.Brown
EMG: T.Bedford, J.Bowey, J.van Rooyen, J.Smith
IN: Nil
OUT: J.Smith (sub)
LIONS
B: D.Gardiner, D.McStay, D.Rich
HB: B.Starcevich, H.Andrews, K.Coleman
C: Z.Bailey, J.Berry, C.Ah Chee
HF: D.Zorko, E.Hipwood, L.McCarthy
F: J.Payne, J.Daniher, C.Cameron
FOLL: D.Fort, L.Neale, H.McCluggage
I/C: D.Robertson, C.Rayner, N.Answerth, D.Wilmot
EMG: J.Prior, T.Fullarton, R.Lester, R.Mathieson
IN: D.Fort, C.Rayner, N.Answerth
OUT: M.Robinson, R.Mathieson, J.Prior (all omitted), O.McInerney (illness)