A top two spot on the ladder is on the line when the Lions travel to Canberra on Saturday afternoon to take on the Giants. We have a dedicated preview and betting tips for the clash courtesy of Andy Rosos below.
Remember to head to our AFL Tips page for our betting tips on every game across Round 18 this weekend.
GWS vs Brisbane Betting Tips
Manuka Oval, Saturday 16th July, 1.45pm (AEST)
GWS
Ins: Connor Idun, Jacob Hopper, Jake Riccardi
Outs: Adam Kennedy, Callum Brown, Lachie Whitfield, Phil Davis
The Giants have a long injury list at the moment, but thankfully, it doesn’t include a lot of their top end talent. The most notable names on the sidelines are the likes of Phil Davis, Harry Perryman, Lachie Whitfield and Matt de Boer. Star midfielder Jacob Hopper will make his long awaited return to the line-up this week, not having played since all the way back in Round 1.
GWS were in the midst of a decent string of form, having won three of their last six as well as competitive performances against Brisbane, Western Bulldogs and Collingwood. That came to an end on the weekend though, as they were dismantled by the Power in Adelaide to the tune of 55 points.
The Giants had an abysmal conversion rate in the loss, kicking just three goals and 11 behinds to record a season low 29 points. With a tough run home including games against the Lions, Blues, Swans and Bulldogs, the Giants have the ability to break some hearts late in the season with strong performances.
Brisbane
Ins: Callum Ah Chee, Daniel McStay, Darcy Gardiner, Harris Andrews, Keldean Coleman, Noah Answerth
Outs: Carter Michael, James Madden, James Tunstill, Marcus Adams, Oscar McInerney, Ryan Lester, Tom Fullarton
The Lions were hindered by a bunch of COVID related absences last week but they will get the majority of those players back for their Round 18 clash. Daniel Rich and Dayne Zorko remain on the sidelines.
The Lions were up against it last week with a large portion of their best 22 out of the line-up. Even at home, they couldn’t hold off the much improved Bombers, going down by 10 points.
This is an absolute must win game for the Lions, who slid down to fourth place with the loss to the Bombers and have a tough run home including games against the Suns, Tigers, Blues, Saints and Demons to come.
Match Prediction
With the cavalry back in the line-up, the Lions are 10.5 point favourites on the road. Which is a line I really like in their favour. They will be desperate to bounce back from the disappointing loss to the Bombers and GWS have not been great at Manuka Oval of late. In fact, they have lost their last five games in Canberra by an average margin of 39.8 points.
Brisbane -10.5
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Still getting a nice price for Josh Kelly to have 30+ this weekend at $2.30. The star midfielder has done so six times this year including the Round 11 game against the Lions where he had 31.
Josh Kelly 30+ Disposals ($2.30 at Ladbrokes)
Like the odds of Brisbane mid/forward Zac Bailey to his the scoreboard this Saturday. He has been a little quiet over the last few games, kicking just two goals in his last three games, which has driven his price up slightly to a respectable $2.20 for 2+.
Zac Bailey 2 + Goals ($2.20 at Ladbrokes)
