Brisbane v Geelong AFL tips & best odds | Round 3 preview

Brisbane v Geelong best bets

Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats Round 3 preview

The Brisbane Lions will look to step up their premiership defence when they host Geelong at the Gabba in an AFL Round 3 blockbuster on Saturday night.

After a horrible start to their game against West Coast last Sunday, the Lions are under pressure to make a statement on home turf. Chris Fagan will be looking for his team to start strong against the Cats and get a dominant win in front of home fans.

The Cats, on the other hand, come off a surprise loss against St Kilda. Geelong were imperious against Fremantle in Round 1, however, and will be determined to bounce back against a strong Lions outfit.

Top AFL betting sites still have Brisbane as favourites at home, but this looms as a genuine test of their premiership credentials.

Lions v Cats R3 team news

Brisbane defender Brandon Starcevich remains in concussion protocols, but the Lions could be set to regain some forward firepower if Charlie Cameron (calf) and Kai Lohmann (ankle) make it through fitness tests on Thursday.

Darcy Gardiner returned from an ACL injury with three goals in the VFL last week, but it might be a little while yet before he enters the frame for senior selection.

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Geelong have their own fitness concerns, with veteran defender Tom Stewart facing a test on his knee ahead of Saturday’s game.

Jack Martin (calf) and Bailey Smith (calf) are also listed as tests, while Jake Kolodjashnij is expected to miss another one or two weeks with a groin issue.

Brisbane v Geelong predictions

This shapes up as a tight Saturday night contest at the Gabba, and with Brisbane under pressure after a poor performance, there’s value in backing the Cats to keep things close. Take Geelong at the +10.5 line at $1.90 with online bookmakers.

Jeremy Cameron had a quieter game last week against the Saints, but Geelong’s star forward looms as a major threat in this one. With Brisbane’s defence missing key personnel, Cameron is great value to kick three or more goals at $3.40 with Picklebet.

For Brisbane, exciting youngster Kai Lohmann is a livewire around goal. If he’s fit, he shapes up as a key contributor in the Lions’ forward half. Back him to kick two or more goals at $2.50 with Neds.

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