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Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions Tips - More pain for Swans in Grand Final rematch

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 13 Mar 2025

Adam Cusworth 13 Mar 2025

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Sydney Swans face Brisbane Lions at SCG; first match since 2024 Grand Final.
Swans missing key players; Lions slightly favored due to strong midfield.
Brisbane Lions aim for another win despite Joe Daniher's retirement.

Expired

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Will Ashcroft of the Lions is pursued by Robbie Fox of the Swans during the 2024 AFL Grand Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 28, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions Preview
Head to Head
Sydney Swans Form Analysis
Sydney Swans Team News
Sydney Swans Team List
Brisbane Lions Form Analysis
Brisbane Lions Team News
Brisbane Lions Team List

Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions Preview

The Sydney Swans take on Brisbane Lions in the Round 1 of the AFL season on Saturday afternoon at SCG in Sydney.

Sydney will be desperate to rebound after suffering a 20-point loss in the Opening Round against Hawthorn.

This game has extra significance as it will be the first time the two sides have met since the 2024 AFL Grand Final, a match that saw the Lions dominate on their way to a 60-point win.

A bit has flowed under the bridge since then with Joe Daniher departing the Lions. They will come in with a new look forward line and appear for the first time this season with their Opening Round match against Geelong postponed due to Cyclone Alfred.

Chris Fagan’s side head in as slight favourites for this match and boast a midfield brigade that can get the upper hand on a Swans outfit that are missing Errol Gulden.

Sydney have won just six of their past 13 matches. Brisbane have won 14 of their past 16.
Lachie Neale picked up 35 disposals in the Grand Final in 2024.
Will Ashcroft claimed the Norm Smith Medal in last year's decider with 30 disposals

Head to Head

Brisbane have won their past four against the Sydney Swans with those coming at an average margin of 26 points.

The Lions were 60 point winners in the Grand Final last year with Will Ashcroft claiming the Norm Smith Medal on the back of 30 disposals, while Lachie Neale helped himself to 35. Callum Ah Chee and Kai Lohmann booted four goals each.

Neale has averaged 30 disposals in his past four matches against the Swans, while Cam Rayner has kicked seven goals in his past four matches against Sydney. The Lions were 24-point winners the last time they played Sydney at the SCG, which was back in 2022.

Sydney Swans Form Analysis

Sydney are one of only four sides to have already played this season, losing their Opening Round encounter to Hawthorn by 20 points. Matt Roberts and Nick Blakey picked up 26 disposals, while Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney showed flashes of brilliance with 21 apiece. Despite a fast start, the Swans didnt really look potent enough in their forward line and this is an area of their game they need to address. They have averaged 78 points in their last 10 matches, kicking over 100 on just once occasion.

In 2024, Sydney won 13 of their first 14 matches but have since won six of 13. They rank 12th in the competition for goals scored in their past 10 matches, while they are 15th for disposals in that time period.

Sydney Swans Team News

Sydney lose Taylor Adams from the Hawthorn match with the former Magpie sustaining an injury to his hamstring. Errol Gulden, Callum Mills and Logan McDonald are among some of the big names already on the sidelines. Caleb Mitchell was named as an emergecny for the Hawks match and is one that could come in for Adams.

Sydney Swans Team List

B: N.Blakey, L.Melican, S.Wicks

HB: M.Roberts, D.Rampe, B.Paton

C: J.Lloyd, I.Heeney - C, J.McInerney

HF: B.Campbell, T.McCartin, T.Papley

F: W.Hayward, J.Amartey, J.Jordon

FOLL: B.Grundy, Ch.Warner, J.Rowbottom

I/C: O.Florent, J.Hamling, R.Bice, Co.Warner, T.Hanily

EMG: P.Ladhams, C.Mitchell, A.Sheldrick

Brisbane Lions Form Analysis

The Lions were slow out of the blocks in 2024, winning just two of their first seven matches. But they came home strong, claiming 14 of their last 16, including their big Grand Final win. They rank 4th for scoring and 3rd for disposals from their last 10 matches.

The Lions went down to the Adelaide Crows by three points in the Community Series match, surrendering a three-goal lead late in the final term. Lachie Neale and Will Ashcroft found plenty of the footy. Chris Fagan’s side will be mindful of starting the season well, given what transpired last year, as well as the fact they have had a shorter pre-season.

Brisbane Lions Team News

The Brisbane Lions are well-placed for a second consecutive flag, despite Joe Daniher's retirement. Key players returning from ACL injuries include Lincoln McCarthy, Darcy Gardiner, Keidean Coleman, and Tom Doedee, though they’ll return at different stages of the season. With Brandon Starcevich sidelined for Round 1 and the loss of Daniher, Brisbane is considering different options, including playing smaller forwards or giving opportunities to Sam Day, Darcy Fort, and Ty Gallop, with draftee Levi Ashcroft expected to debut in Round 1.

Brisbane Lions Team List

B: D.Zorko, J.Payne, R.Lester

HB: N.Answerth, H.Andrews - C, D.Wilmot

C: J.Fletcher, Z.Bailey, J.Berry

HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, H.McCluggage

F: C.Rayner, L.Morris, K.Lohmann

FOLL: O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C: C.Ah Chee, W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, D.Fort, B.Starcevich

EMG: C.McKenna, W.McLachlan, D.Joyce

Verdict

Sydney v Brisbane

Brisbane to take out the Grand Final rematch with Lachie Neale and Will Ashcroft finding plenty of the footy

Brisbane Lions

Head to Head

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