Round 4 action in the AFL continues on Friday night as the Geelong Cats take on the Brisbane Lions from GMHBA Stadium at 7.50pm. It’s arguably the game of the round as both teams have real Top 4 ambitions, and as always, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips below.
Remember to check out our betting tips for every game in Round 4 of the season by heading to our AFL Tips page.
Geelong vs Brisbane Betting Tips
GMHBA Stadium, Friday 8th April, 7.50pm (AEST)
Geelong
Injuries: Jon Cellar, Sam Menegola, Gary Rohan, Sam Simpson, Toby Conway, Flynn Kroeger (Out)
The Cats will still be without recruit Jon Cellar for the first half of the season, while Sam Menegola and Gary Rohan also remain on the sidelines. Esava Ratugolea will be available for the clash against the Lions though, despite being subbed out in the win over the Pies.
The Cats pulled out a great come from behind victory over the Magpies in Round 3 to celebrate Joel Selwood breaking the all-time record for most games as captain. They trailed by 30 points at the 3qtr time break but kicked seven goals to zero in the final quarter to snatch a 13 point victory.
Jeremy Cameron was brilliant, kicking six goals in a best on ground performance while Tom Stewart racked up 29 touches in defence. The Cats will no doubt welcome the return to GMHBA Stadium for their first game this season.
Brisbane
Injuries: Eric Hipwood, Keldean Coleman (Out) Oscar McInerny (Susp.)
Not a lot to report on the injury front for the Lions, with Eric Hipwood the only notable absentee while ruckman McInerny will be out with suspension.
The Lions recorded a dominant win over the Kangaroos in Round 3 to move to 3-0 on the season and currently sit atop the AFL ladder. Lincoln McCarthy was fantastic in the win, batting five goals while midfielder Zac Bailey chipped in for four of his own.
The Lions have no doubt looked like a top four side so far this season, but I still think its a little hard to gauge their true strength given their 2022 opponents so far currently sit in 15th, 16th and 18th place on the ladder. A trip to Geelong to face the Cats will certainly be their first real test of the season.
Match Prediction
Love the value of the Cats at home here. Over the last decade, time and time again, they have proven to be a completely different beast when it comes to playing at GMHBA Stadium. They no doubt have the strongest home field advantage in the league, having won 16 of their last 19 games down in Geelong.
Brisbane’s record in Geelong is also pretty damming. They have lost their last 12 straight games at GMHBA Stadium. In fact, the last time the Lions won in Geelong, the current Cats coach Chris Scott was playing for Brisbane (2003). Back the Cats to continue that home field dominance.
Cats -1.5
$2.00 (2 Units)
Prop Bets
For all of his accumulating dominance over the years, Geelong is one team that Lachie Neale has really struggled to get a hold of. He has never recorded 30+ disposals against the Cats and in two games against Geelong last year he had just 20.0 disposals per game.
Lachie Neale Under 29.5 Disposals (Odds Coming Soon)
Jeremy Cameron has booted 9 goals in his last three games against th Lions including a four goal haul in the most recent, Round 15 last season. He was everywhere last week and I think he continues his hot form at home.
Jeremy Cameron 3+ Goals ($2.20 at Ladbrokes)
These two teams have been involved in low scoring clashes over the past few seasons but I think Brisbane are making a concerted effort to play a much more attacking style of football this season. Eight of the last nine Geelong games have gone over on total points while the Lions have been the highest scoring team in the comp so far this year.
Over 168.5 Total Points ($1.88 at Ladbrokes)
