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Gabba will play host to Friday's Round 16 AFL game between Brisbane Lions and Melbourne Demons. The game kicks off at 7:40 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 June 28, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Where: Gabba
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Odds
Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Preview
Barely breathing, but the Dees are still alive in 2024, sitting outside the eight on percentage, a big task ahead against a rampaging Lions outfit.
Theres always been the potential of the Lions flicking the switch this year, and it seems only now theyve finally got it together, looking like theyre back to contend in September.
The quick-paced Lions side we knew in previous years has come back to haunt sides in recent weeks, and their ability to capitalise inside 50 has lifted to kick them unbeatable scores.
Frightenedly, Will Ashcrofts return could be on the cards, which would add even more woes to Melbournes midfield struggles.
Without Christian Petracca for the remainder of the year, the reliance is solely on Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney, and Christian Salem to impact the contest, and theyre now relying on outside players to fill the void, which just isnt sustainable.
Crafty additions of Kynan Brown and Koltyn Tholstrup help the Dees maintain their grunt-work attitude to the contest, but it wont stack up against the Lions quick spacing transition at the Gabba.
The Dees lost the disposals by 71 against the Roos, and just won, so to imagine that happening against the Lions screams a five-goal plus belting.
Disposal efficiency must be high for the Dees, especially inside 50s, anything less than 45% wont get them a winning score.
Logan Morris in this Lions side adds another dimension with his versatility aerially and at ground level, and the reliability of their smalls in Charlie Cameron and Kai Lohmann make the defensive side a nightmare.
The Lions will be well and truly back in the top eight with a big win, and theyll want to keep riding the wave of momentum.
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Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Tip
We're tipping Brisbane Lions to win at $1.15 odds.
Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Teams
LIONS
B: D.Zorko, D.Joyce, R.Lester
HB: C.McKenna, H.Andrews, B.Starcevich
C: J.Fletcher, C.Rayner, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, H.McCluggage
F: C.Ah Chee, J.Daniher, L.Morris
FOLL: O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale – C
I/C: K.Lohmann, W.Ashcroft, Z.Bailey, B.Reville, D.Wilmot
EMG: D.Robertson, D.Fort, S.Brain
IN: D.Joyce, W.Ashcroft
OUT: J.Payne (Injured), S.Brain (Omitted)
DEMONS
B: J.Lever, S.May, J.McVee
HB: J.Bowey, A.Tomlinson, T.Rivers
C: A.Neal-Bullen, C.Windsor, K.Tholstrup
HF: K.Chandler, H.Petty, E.Langdon
F: K.Pickett, B.Fritsch, J.van Rooyen
FOLL: M.Gawn – C, J.Viney, C.Oliver
I/C: T.McDonald, T.Sparrow, D.Turner, T.Woewodin, A.Moniz-Wakefield
EMG: B.Laurie, M.Jefferson, K.Brown
IN: J.Lever, T.Woewodin, A.Moniz-Wakefield
OUT: C.Salem (Injured), K.Brown (Omitted), B.Howes (Omitted)