Gabba will play host to Saturday's Round 19 AFL game between Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats. The game kicks off at 4:35 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. Geelong Cats game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday July 22, 2023 at 4:35 pm
Where: Gabba
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Brisbane Lions vs Geelong Cats Odds
Brisbane Lions vs Geelong Cats Preview
The top four is back in focus on Saturday with 3rd and 5th squaring off in a huge twilight blockbuster from the Gabba.
The Lions squandered an enormous opportunity to secure home ground advantage throughout finals last week, losing another agonising clash at the ‘G by a single point to Melbourne.
Glass half full, Chris Fagan has to be pleased with the way his side responded to an early deficit, particularly with the likes of Lachie Neale, Will Ashcroft, and young Jaspa Fletcher all stepping up on the big stage.
Of course, there’s plenty to be said for a serious Premiership contender blowing a 30+ point lead – another concerning sign with the Cats in red-hot form and suddenly looking like a dark horse for the flag.
After an early season hangover, Geelong has come roaring back into the top eight, knocking off the Bombers last week in blowout fashion thanks to a massive five-goal haul from Tom Hawkins.
With familiar faces back, Chris Scott’s side has really discovered some of its mojo, and although the reigning Premiers have nothing left to prove, this does shape as a statement game with the Cats still searching for just their second win away from home.
Given this is basically a finals-like matchup, you can almost bet on a high-pressure game playing out.
The Lions will be out for revenge on last year’s dismal Prelim loss, hoping to prove themselves every threat to Collingwood in the process.
The Cats have been in excellent form over the last month, but it’s tough to read too much into a draw against Sydney, and a pair of blowout wins over North and Essendon.
The Lions and their lack of leadership is the big query moving forward, but perhaps last week’s heartbreaker was the loss this club needed at a crucial point in the season.
Given Brisbane has been a much better side when it comes to clearances and tackles, the Lions are hard to back against at the Gabbatoir.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Brisbane Lions to win at $1.46 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Tom Hawkins at $9.50.
Brisbane Lions vs Geelong Cats Teams
LIONS
B: B.Starcevich, H.Andrews, 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
FOLL: 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: J.Dunkley, C.Ah Chee
Out: Z.Bailey (Injured), J.Lyons (Omitted), D.Robertson (Sub)
CATS
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
FOLL: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield – C, M.Holmes
I/C: M.O’Connor, I.Smith, T.Bruhn, O.Henry
EMG: O.Mullin, Z.Tuohy, S.Menegola, E.Ratugolea
In: None
Out: O.Mullin (Sub)