Round 3 presents a fascinating clash at Marvel Stadium as St Kilda host Brisbane, with both sides looking to build momentum after mixed starts to the season. The Saints enter with a 1–2 record after a gritty win over GWS, while the Lions are surprisingly 0–2 and searching to rediscover the form that made them premiers. With contrasting styles and plenty on the line early in the season, this shapes as a high-quality contest.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Saints vs Lions below. And if you’re keen to back in our tips, consider doing so at Bet365 - one of the biggest and best sportsbooks in the world!
St Kilda vs Brisbane Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 3
Marvel Comforts Await the Saints
St Kilda have been competitive across all three games to start the season and were rewarded with a narrow four-point win over GWS last week. Their game style under Ross Lyon continues to revolve around pressure, territory and defensive structure, forcing turnovers and capitalising on forward-half opportunities rather than relying on sustained possession.
Jack Sinclair has been central to that system, recording 30+ disposals in all three matches this season, while Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera continues to provide drive from half-back. Up forward, Max Hall has emerged as a consistent scoring option with six goals across three games, benefiting from the Saints’ ability to lock the ball inside their attacking half. If St Kilda can bring that same pressure and intensity, particularly early, they have the tools to challenge Brisbane.
Lions Class Waiting to Click
Brisbane’s 0–2 start has raised eyebrows, but there are signs their system remains strong once it gets going. Losses to the Western Bulldogs and Sydney highlighted issues with early-game execution and cohesion, particularly conceding heavily in the opening stages against the Swans. However, their midfield remains elite, with Lachie Neale accumulating 67 disposals across two matches and Dayne Zorko continuing to provide strong ball use.
The Lions’ strength lies in their ability to control possession and move the ball through the corridor, generating repeat inside 50 entries. Charlie Cameron has already kicked six goals this season, while Oscar Allen presents another dangerous scoring option with a strong record against the Saints. With several key players expected to return, Brisbane’s structure and cohesion should improve significantly, making them a far more dangerous side than their record suggests.
Saints or Lions? Here’s Our Best Bet
St Kilda will be relishing a return to Marvel Stadium after back-to-back games at the MCG followed by a trip to Sydney. Under Ross Lyon, Marvel has clearly been the venue where the Saints play their best football, and they should come into this clash with fresh energy and confidence on their home deck.
Brisbane’s class means they will be difficult to beat, especially with key players returning, but they are still working through some cohesion issues and remain impacted by injuries to important personnel. Given St Kilda’s strong pressure game and their ability to stay competitive in all three matches so far, this shapes as a tight contest that could go down to the wire. The Saints should be able to push Brisbane all the way.
St Kilda +12.5
$1.91 (2 Units)
St Kilda vs Brisbane Prop Bet
Max Hall continues to establish himself as a key scoring option for St Kilda and comes into this game in strong form, having kicked eight goals across his last four matches. His role remains predominantly forward, allowing him to stay close to goal and capitalise on the Saints’ pressure-based game style. With St Kilda likely to generate scoring opportunities through turnovers, Hall should again find himself in dangerous positions, making 2+ goals a strong play.
St Kilda vs Brisbane Same Game Multi
Cal Wilkie 20+ Disposals | Josh Dunkley 20+ Disposals | Darcy Wilson 1+ Goal
This multi focuses on consistency and role across both sides. Cal Wilkie has been outstanding in defence, recording 26, 27 and 28 disposals in his three matches this season, continuing to rack up intercepts and distribute the ball effectively. Josh Dunkley remains a reliable accumulator through the midfield and had 22 disposals last week, while historically performing well against the Saints. Darcy Wilson adds a scoring element, with his elite running capacity often seeing him get on the end of chains inside 50, and he has kicked a goal in each of his last two games. In a contest that should feature pressure, transition and scoring opportunities, this combination of Wilkie 20+, Dunkley 20+ and Wilson 1+ goal looks well supported.
Same Game Odds: $4.20 at Bet365
St Kilda vs Brisbane Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Saturday 28th March
Time: 12:35pm AEDT
Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Odds: St Kilda $2.60 vs Brisbane $1.50
Line: 12.5
Points: 187.5
Where to Watch St Kilda vs Brisbane
You can watch the Saints vs Lions live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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