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Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Blues Tips - Lions to claim AFL Opening Round win

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: 07 Mar 2024

Jeremy Darke 07 Mar 2024

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Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Blues predictions for Friday’s AFL game
The game will be played at the Gabba,
Brisbane Lions are favorites to win the Opening Round against the Carlton Blues.
Blues' defence could struggle against Lions’ aggressive attack.

Expired

Lachie Neale of the Lions (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Blues Preview
Head to Head
Brisbane Lions Form
Brisbane Lions Team News
Carlton Blues Form
Carlton Blues Team News

Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Blues Preview

Brisbane will be put to the test from day dot following their 2023 Grand Final disappointment but are predicted to overcome the Carlton Blues in their Opening Round game at the Gabba.

The AFL’s Opening Round will see venues outside of Victoria host standalone games to promote the sport further into the Australian sporting landscape.

The Lions look hungry as ever to avenge their agonising Grand Final defeat and it will start against a Carlton team that will struggle to defend the pace of the Brisbane attack.

Brisbane knocked Carlton out of Finals last year 79-63 on their way to the Grand Final
The Lions have won 5 in a row against Carlton and have covered the line in the last 4
5 of the first 7 Brisbane games in 2023 went Over the points total
3 of the first 5 Carlton games in 2023 went Over the points total

Head to Head

Brisbane dominate the recent Head to Head statistics against Carlton having won five straight games dating back to the 2020 season.

Last year these teams played twice, once in the regular season where Brisbane triumphed 100-74 and again in the Finals where the Lions ran out victors 79-63.

Brisbane Lions Form

Brisbane were able to secure an impressive victory over the Sydney Swans in their Community Series match played at Blacktown ISP.

In 30 degree heat and 60% humidity the Lions through Hugh McCluggage (31 disp, 1 goal) demolished the Swans in the middle of the park. Lachie Neale had 8 clearances on the night showing there is no lingering pain following off-season groin surgery.

As mentioned in the 2024 Lions Season Preview they were best in the league at clearances in 2023 notching 1098 on the year.

We know Brisbane are a good team, in fact they are a great team. They showcased their talent across all of last year and that display was on again against the Swans just a week ago.

The middle is were the Lions have the advantage as well as their astute kicking prowess. It will be interesting to see if the Blues can crack the armour.

Brisbane Lions Team News

There is good news on the horizon for the Lions with Conor McKenna running laps at training on Tuesday and expected to be available for the club’s second match of the season against Fremantle on March 17.

Tom Doedee is also progressing well and could return as early as the Easter Thursday Grand Final rematch against Collingwood at the Gabba.

Carlton Blues Form

Carlton continued where they left off in 2023 across pre-season. Both the good and the bad which we alluded to in their 2024 Season Preview.

In their Community Series hit out against the Demons the Blues forward line produced a stellar game with Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow kicking three each. Patrick Cripps contributed a goal in a game where the Blues kicked 10 goals and only 3 behinds.

Carlton struggled defensively in their pre-season game due to an inexperienced defensive pack. Coach Michael Voss will have made some adjustments coming into this game but the depth just isn’t there.

The Blues will be able to put points on the board but without any real defensive pressure they will have a hard time keeping in touch of the high flying Lions.

Carlton Blues Team News

The Blues will be without Caleb Marchbank, Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering until at least the round two bye, with a timeframe for their respective returns to arrive during that 15-day break.

Jesse Motlop will miss at least Opening Round, while Jack Martin likely won't return until after the bye.

Verdict

Brisbane v Carlton

Brisbane are the much better team and have shown much better pre-season form. The winning pedigree is there and they are playing at home where they went undefeated last season.

Take the Lions to win by 1-39 and Hugh McCluggage to go Over 25 disposals.

Brisbane 1-39

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