Brisbane Lions vs Geelong Cats: AFL live scores, blog

Geelong face a litmus test of their newfound form when they lock horns with Brisbane at their Gabba fortress. Join The Roar for live scores from 4:35pm (AEST).

Brisbane continue to grow in reputation following four wins from their last five, yet did fade late to allow the Demons to pip them by a point in Round 18. It was a heartbreaking loss for the Queenslanders that could potentially deny them a top two spot come the end of the home and away season.

The run home looks decent for the Lions, with Collingwood the most significant challenge. A win today against a resurgent Cats team could go a long way towards locking in a top four finish, with matches against a number of teams outside the top eight on the cards across the final five weeks of play.

After crazy suggestions that the Cats were a chance of missing the eight after some weak performances in the opening third of the season have been put to bed, with the Geelong train leaping back onto the tracks in recent weeks

With matches against the top three teams on the run home and a chance to make up some real ground, one would be silly to write off the reigning premiers’ chances of doing so.

Team news sees the visitors in excellent shape, with no changes from last week’s team that thrashed Essendon. In a huge boost for the Lions, Josh Dunkley is back and Callum Ah Chee also comes into the squad. Zac Bailey and Jarryd Lions are out.

Prediction

This does loom as something of a tricky trip north for the Cats, with the Lions rarely losing at home and an open game certain if the weather is good.

Locking down the open spaces of the Gabba may be a bridge too far for the visitors and the Lions should continue their march towards the finals in style.

Game Information

Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
First bounce: 4:35pm (AEST)
TV: Fox Footy
Streaming: Kayo Sports
Betting: Lions $1.47, Cats $2.70 – odds via PlayUp

Teams

Brisbane

B: B. Starcevich, H. Andrews (c), J. Payne

HB: C. McKenna, R. Lester, K. Coleman

C: W. Ashcroft, D. Zorko, J. Berry

HF: C. Cameron, E. Hipwood, L. McCarthy

F: J. Dunkley, J. Daniher, C. Rayner

R: O. McInerney, L. Neale (c), H. McCluggage

I/C: C. Ah Chee, J. Gunston, J. Fletcher, D. Wilmot

EMG: K. Lohmann, J. Tunstill, D. Fort, D. Joyce

IN: Ah Chee, Dunkley.

OUT: Bailey, Lyons.

Geelong

B: J. Kolodjashnij, J. Henry, J. Bowes

HB: Z. Guthrie, S. De Koning, T. Stewart

C: M. Duncan, T. Atkins, M. Blicavs

HF: G. Miers, T. Hawkins, T. Stengle

F: G. Rohan, J. Cameron, B. Close

R: R. Stanley, P. Dangerfield (c), M. Holmes

I/C: T. Bruhn, I. Smith, O. Henry, M. O’Connor

EMG: Z. Tuohy, E. Ratugolea, S. Menegola, O. Mullin

NO CHANGE