The third of five matches on the Super Saturday slate for AFL Round 23 will see an important QClash as Brisbane takes on Gold Coast at the Gabba. Will the Lions continue their dominance in this matchup and secure another four valuable points?
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Lions vs Suns below, with odds thanks to UniBet!
Brisbane vs Gold Coast Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 23
Lions Surging Towards Three-Peat
The Lions return to the Gabba fresh off a ruthless 67-point demolition of Hawthorn. Brisbane has now won seven of its past eight matches and looks every bit a team capable of pushing for a historic three-peat. A heavy 76-point loss to Carlton two weeks ago stands as the lone recent blip, a performance easy enough to write off as a mulligan given the premier form shown either side of it. With an offensive transition that is practically impossible to stop on their home deck, the Lions enter this derby brimming with confidence. Selection reflects that stability too, with an unchanged 23 named as co-captain Josh Dunkley gears up for his 100th game in Brisbane colours.
Suns Masking Major Deficiencies
Across the M1, Gold Coast heads north intent on causing an upset, though last week’s drought-breaking victory highlighted plenty of underlying flaws. The Suns managed to snap a grim losing streak by scraping past GWS by two points in the Canberra rain, but that result required a staggering, heroic shift from Matt Rowell in the middle. Beyond Rowell’s individual dominance, Gold Coast remains a group with glaring structural holes across the park. Grinding out a narrow win against a struggling opponent in wet conditions is a world away from taking on a premiership contender at the Gabba, and staying competitive across four full quarters looks beyond this current team.
QClash Rivalry and Recent History
Recent history between these two Queensland rivals paints a dominant picture for the home side. Brisbane took care of business in the Round 13 QClash at Carrara earlier this season, running out 106 to 75 victors on the back of a seven-goal performance from Logan Morris. That result extended a long-standing trend of Brisbane ruling this derby with total authority. Gold Coast has routinely struggled to match the Lions' scoring power, and that gap becomes even wider at the Gabba, where the home crowd and fast deck have turned this fixture into a complete stronghold.
Match Prediction and Best Bet
On paper, this matchup shapes up as a genuine class mismatch. Brisbane is firing on all cylinders at the ideal time of year, with every motivation to bank four points and boost percentage to secure a double chance in September. Gold Coast will bring plenty of physical heat early, but maintaining that intensity while attempting to contain Brisbane's explosive forward line is an enormous task. Expect the Lions to dictate terms early, pull away after half-time, and clear the line with comfort.
Brisbane -31.5
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Brisbane vs Gold Coast Prop Bet
Still somewhat flying under the radar is Kai Lohmann. He’s banged in 46 goals this season and is in sensational over the last six weeks where he’s kicked 22, which includes 3+ on five occasions. Tremendous form that needs to be respected in what shapes as a high-scoring affair with the total points line currently sitting at around 190.
Kai Lohmann 3+ Goals
$2.65
Brisbane vs Gold Coast Same Game Multi
Brisbane to Win: They have dominated this matchup for a long time and the occasion is too big for them to let slip here.
Kai Lohmann 3+ Goals: For the reasons highlighted above in our prop bet.
Jed Walter 2+ Goals: He’s been the Suns’ best target up forward over the past month and a bit. 2+ goals in three of his last five and adds some juice to our multi
Brisbane vs Gold Coast Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Saturday 15th August
Time: 4:15pm AEST
Location: Gabba, Brisbane
Odds: Brisbane $1.18 vs Gold Coast $4.90
Line: -31.5
Points: 190.5
Where to Watch Brisbane vs Gold Coast
You can watch the Lions vs Suns live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our 2026 AFL Tips at UniBet!
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