Brisbane v Melbourne AFL tips & team news | Round 16, 2024

Melbourne v Brisbane best bets

Brisbane v Melbourne AFL match preview

Kicking off round 16 of the 2024 AFL Premiership on Friday night, it’s a clash between two finals contenders as Brisbane host Melbourne at the Gabba.

The Lions enter this match as strong favourites at $1.20 with Unibet, leaving the Demons at long odds of $5.25 with Bet365. The line is set at 30.5 points.

Last Saturday, Brisbane made a statement as they beat the Power by 79 points at Adelaide Oval. In an incredibly one-sided affair, Chris Fagan’s men won every quarter, embarrassing Port Adelaide in nearly every aspect of the game. Lions midfielder Lachie Neale starred with 37 disposals and 10 clearances, while key forward Eric Hipwood kicked five goals.

After three consecutive wins, the Lions have worked their way up to 10th on the ladder. Top AFL bookmakers are optimistic about their finals chances, giving last year’s runners-up odds of $1.50 to make the top eight.

In a major boost, Brisbane young gun Will Ashcroft is expected to be available this week after recovering from an ACL injury. Emerging forward Kai Lohmann is a test after being subbed out with a corked quad against the Power.

Melbourne also earned a win in round 15, but in far less convincing fashion, as they beat North Melbourne by three points at the MCG. After a strong start, the Demons led by as much as 39 points in the third quarter. However, they fell apart late, conceding the final six goals of the match to set up a tense finish.

It was a critical win for Simon Goodwin’s men, who had lost four of their previous five matches. With key injuries and unconvincing form, leading sports betting sites have Melbourne at $2.25 to make the top eight.

The Demons are set for a big inclusion, as key defender Jake Lever is expected to return from a knee injury.

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Brisbane v Melbourne R16 predictions

On a three-match winning streak and playing at home, it is hard to look past the Lions. They have scored an average of 131 points over the last three weeks, whereas the Demons are averaging just 57 points in that stretch. With their star-studded midfield and a firing forward line, back Brisbane to win by 40 or more points at $2.40 with top online bookmakers.

Playing his 13th season in the AFL, Brisbane’s Dayne Zorko is averaging a career-high 26.1 disposals per game. The 35-year-old collects plenty of cheap footy across half-back, taking kick-ins while also leading the side for uncontested possessions. Back Zorko to continue his excellent run with 30 or more disposals at $2.50 with leading Australian bookies.

With Christian Petracca ruled out for the season, it was Trent Rivers who moved into the midfield for the Demons against the Roos. Attending 80% of centre bounces, the 22-year-old starred with 21 disposals and a goal. Averaging 23 disposals per game across the last three rounds, Rivers offers excellent value to collect 25 or more touches at $3.75 with PlayUp.

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