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Brisbane Lions vs West Coast Eagles Tips - Lions to chalk up massive win in Round 2 action at the GABBA

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 20 Mar 2025

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Adam Cusworth 20 Mar 2025

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Brisbane Lions fresh off a four-point win over Sydney.
Levi Ashcroft impressed with 25 disposals on debut.
West Coast Eagles suffered an 87-point loss to Gold Coast.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Charlie Cameron of the Lions in action during the 2023 AFL Round 17 match between the Brisbane Lions and the West Coast Eagles at The Gabba on July 8, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Brisbane Lions vs West Coast Eagles Preview
Head to Head
Brisbane Lions Form Analysis
Brisbane Lions Team News
Brisbane Lions Team List
West Coast Eagles Form Analysis
West Coast Eagles Team News
West Coast Eagles Team List

Brisbane Lions vs West Coast Eagles Preview

The Round 2 clash sees the Brisbane Lions in front of their home fans for the first time as the reigning premiers.

Chris Fagan’s side come off a stirring four-point win over the Sydney Swans in the Grand Final rematch, overcoming a series of challenges in the lead up, including the impact that Cyclone Alfred had on their ability to train.

That win was set up by their midfield, who had the upper hand at the clearances and contested possessions. The debutant, Levi Ashcroft, had 25 disposals, while Darcy Wilmot, Jarrod Berry and Josh Dunkley all reached the 25+. Lachie Neale was unusually subdued with just 10 of his own.

West Coast battled in their hitout in their match against the Gold Coast Suns, suffering an 87 point loss. They had few shining lights. Jake Waterman kicked two goals from limited opportunities, while Liam Baker had 21 disposals in his first game for the club since crossing from Richmond.

Stranger things have happened but this all points to a big win for the Lions. Take them for the 39+. Lachie Neale can bounce back after being tagged last weekend, while Levi Ashcroft can back up his solid form from his debut.

Brisbane have won their past six matches against West Coast by an average margin of 47 points.
Five of those matches were at the GABBA.
The Lions have now won 15 of their past 17 matches
Levi Ashcroft helped himself to 25 disposals on debut last weekend

Head to Head

Brisbane have won their past six matches against West Coast by an average margin of 47 points. Five of those matches were at the GABBA.

Lachie Neale has averaged 31 disposals in his past four matches against the Eagles. Charlie Cameron has booted nine goals from his past four matches against West Coast.

The most recent encounter between the two sides came in Round 18 last year, resulting in a 13-point win for Brisbane. Lachie Neale had 34 disposals for the winners, while Tim Kelly had 29 for West Coast.

Brisbane Lions Form Analysis

Brisbane come off a four-point win over the Sydney Swans in their opening match. The Lions had a host of ball-winners in the middle of the ground, including Josh Dunkley (27 disposals) and the debutant, Levi Ashcroft (25). Zac Bailey snagged four goals up forward.

The Lions have now won 15 of their past 17 matches, a sequence that stretches back to Round 14 last season. Those wins include the 2024 Grand Final over Sydney. Four of those wins were by more than 39.5 points. They have won nine of their past 10 matches away from the GABBA.

The Lions rank 3rd in the competition for goals scored in their last 10 matches, going at 13.5 per game. They have the edge over West Coast in a number of statistcial measures in that period, ranking on top for clearances and 4th for disposals.

Brisbane Lions Team News

Brisbane lose Brandon Starcevich and Kai Lohmann from the team that defeated Sydney. Charlie Cameron heads for a fitness test. If the goal-sneak does not come up, Will McLachlan could make his debut. Conor McKenna is likely to move from the sub role to the backline, while Sam Day, who missed the Sydney game for personal reasons, is also in contention. Bruce Reville, Deven Robertson, and Shadeau Brain are among other options for the 23-man squad.

Brisbane Lions Team List

West Coast Eagles Form Analysis

West Coast won just five of their 23 matches in 2024, which was an improvement on 2023 (3 wins) and 2022 (2 wins) form.

But there is still plenty of work to do for McQualter and co. Scoring was an issue last season, going at just 10 per game, ranking 17th. They could only manage seven in the loss to the Suns, conceding 20.

Big losing margins were still an issue in 2024, going down by 39 or more in five of their last seven losses. They won just once on the road in 2024 and seven of their 10 losses were over the 39.5, while others were by 37, 35 and 26.

West Coast Eagles Team News

A couple of West Coast’s big names in Jake Waterman and Liam Ryan are expected to be available, despite concerns over soft tissue injuries. Bo Allan played in a WAFL practice match and will push for his debut this week if he gets through training. The draftee could join the backline, allowing Tyrell Dewar to return to the wing, especially if Jack Hutchinson is unavailable due to "awareness" after sitting out late in the loss to Gold Coast. Ruckman Bailey Williams is being considered as a ruck option this week

West Coast Eagles Team List

Verdict

Brisbane v West Coast

Brisbane to win big, Levi Ashcroft to continue impressive start to career

Brisbane Lions -58.5

Handicap -58.5

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