Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats AFL betting tips – Round 19, 2023

Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats best bets

Brisbane v Geelong AFL R19 match preview

The Geelong Cats head up to Brisbane on Saturday to face off against the Lions at the Gabba. Playing each other for the first time since the preliminary final last year, the two sides are at the top end of the AFL ladder once again this season.

The Brisbane Lions played the Melbourne Demons in the game of the season last weekend, going down by one point in a heartbreaking finish. With the Lions leading by 26 halfway through the final term, the game seemed over, but the Demons kicked four straight goals to take the lead with 30 seconds remaining and held on to clinch it.

After the Port Adelaide Power lost last weekend, the Lions’ slim chances at a top-two spot remain; however, they will most likely need to win every game remaining this season.

Geelong hosted the Essendon Bombers last week, winning comfortably by 77 points. On the back of a 46-point quarter-time lead, the Cats cruised through to the end of the game. Tom Hawkins was the standout for the Cats with five goals, while midfielder Tom Atkins had 28 disposals and 12 tackles.

With the Cats still a game and a half outside the top four, this match is must-win if they have any chance to push for those positions.

For the Lions, a full-strength side is expected with inside midfielder Josh Dunkley to return this week after missing the last couple of matches through injury.

Geelong will be sweating on the availability of speedster Gary Rohan, who injured his ankle last weekend against the Bombers.

Brisbane v Geelong betting predictions

Travelling up the Gabba has been the hardest road trip in the AFL so far this season, with the Lions winning all eight of their home matches so far. For the Cats this season, their form in designated away matches (2-5-1) has been a clear problem throughout the year.

Both sides come into this one in. good form, each with only one loss in their last five. Coming in as $1.48 favourites with online bookmakers, we like the Lions to win this one and put the pressure on the top two sides.

As the two top-scoring sides in the AFL, expect a high-scoring match. The Lions will want to showcase their ability as the best clearance team in the competition, getting the ball forward quickly. With clear conditions forecast, the key forwards from both sides should be in marking form. Over 173.5 total points is the play, going at $1.88 with the top AFL betting sites.

Following a down week with only 19 disposals, expect Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale to bounce back in style. With the return of Josh Dunkley, Neale will have less defensive responsibility around the ball, leaving him available to chase the footy. Averaging 28.2 disposals this season, he never strings two poor games together. We like the value for 30 or more disposals at $2.03 with Palmerbet.

Lions v Cats key matchup: Andrews v Hawkins

Harris Andrews vs Tom Hawkins

Having another great season as a key defender, Harris Andrews is always a tough matchup for key forwards. The two-time All-Australian is known for rarely losing a one-on-one contest. Assigned the captaincy this season, Andrews works alongside teammates to leave direct opponents and impact contests.

Coming off a five-goal performance last week, Tom Hawkins has had to step up for the Cats in the absence and down form of Jeremy Cameron. Now sitting third in the Coleman Medal race, another big performance against quality opposition is needed from the Cats veteran. Known for his strength under the football, it should be a great contest to see how he competes against the taller defender.

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