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

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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.

There’s always been the potential of the Lions flicking the switch this year, and it seems only now they’ve finally got it together, looking like they’re 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 Ashcroft’s return could be on the cards, which would add even more woes to Melbourne’s 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 they’re now relying on outside players to fill the void, which just isn’t sustainable.

Crafty additions of Kynan Brown and Koltyn Tholstrup help the Dees maintain their grunt-work attitude to the contest, but it won’t 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% won’t 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 they’ll want to keep riding the wave of momentum.

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Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Tip

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)