The Brisbane Lions host their finals nemesis in the current reigning premiers in the Geelong Cats. Given the history between these two sides, and especially after the embarrassment the Lions faced in the Preliminary Final last year losing by 71 points, you can expect a very spicy affair. Read the article below for the betting angle on this match and enjoy!
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Join NowAs mentioned above, there is no love lost between these two sides and we should have a cracker of a game.
The History:
Despite last years humiliation in the Preliminary Final, these two sides have always had classic matches. The Zac Bailey non-holding the ball decision game, the Linc McCarthy hanger & goal to send the Lions into a home Qualifying Final, the close game down at GHMBA last season, and another not so classic, but big game in the covid year where the Cats destroyed the Lions on their home deck in the Preliminary Final. Something always happens so keep an eye out.
Prediction:
The Cats are in form, and are scaring teams in the top 4 at the moment knowing that they will be a genuine threat when up and running coming into finals, even if they do not make it into the Top 4. However, for this game I’ll keep the reasoning short for why I believe the Lions are value at the line.
Brisbane had an all time choke last week, losing to the Demons at the MCG by a point after leading by 4 goals with 7 minutes to go, after initially actually being down 4 goals at the start. Despite the bookends of the game being atrocious, the Lions played some sinclitating football against one of the best teams in footy away from their Gabba fortress.
Speaking of which, yes the Lions play at home today and have not lost a game this season, and not only that, they have very comfortably beat the best in the league there, in the Pies and the Demons. The advantage in the middle will be important today too, despite the loss of gun Zac Bailey, Brisbane welcome maybe their most important player in Josh Dunkley, would provide the midfield a much greater balance. That grunt is especially important in this match up as the Lions have been bullied by the Cats midfield in recent years despite having a lot of talent. That addition of Will Ashcroft, plus the regression of some of the Cats midfield has me thinking the Lions hold a key edge there.
Due to the home ground factor and midfield advantage, plus maybe the Lions just simply being a better team this year, if they haven’t been mentally destroyed by last weeks choke, expect Brisbane to cover the -13.5 handicap.