AFL Finals Preview: Brisbane vs Carlton

This is a game in which has been said to be heading the one way, that one way being the way of the Brisbane Lions. Do not discount the Carlton Blues at all though, some big names have made their way back into the line up. Expect a loud, packed out Gabba tomorrow night as the Blues and the Lions do battle once more.

The Lions had the sort of season few people saw coming. On the back of their grand final appearance in last year’s campaign, although a narrow loss to the Pies, many had them sitting well and truly inside the top four in their predictions before the season got under way.

The Lions went on to start the season zero and three, with only four wins and one draw from their first 10 games. From Round 11 onwards, they won 10 games and lost just four times; they went on to finish half a game outside the top four, sitting in fifth.

The Lions have won just three of their past five games, with a narrow loss to the Pies and a disappointing loss at home to fellow finalists the Giants, a game that probably cost them a top four finish in the end.

Carlton have a had an injury-ravaged season like a few teams have had in the competition, and found themselves finishing the season with just one win from their past five games. With losses coming against fellow finalists Hawthorn and Port Adelaide, a narrow loss to the Pies in Scott Pendlebury’s 400th game, and a disappointing loss to the Saints in the final round of the season.

Carlton went into Round 24 knowing all they had to do to play finals footy was beat the Saints at Marvel Stadium. They failed to do so and left it up to Fremantle, who if they were to beat Port at Optus Stadium would’ve made it into the eight and Carlton would have made way. Luckily for the Blues, the Power got home by 20 points in the final game of the home and away season.

In the previous matchup between these two sides, Carlton pulled off a miracle. After trailing by five goals at quarter-time and again at the main break, Carlton kicked seven goals to Brisbane’s one goal in the third term, before a match winning mark and goal by Harry McKay late in the game.

Carlton will welcome back Sam Docherty among other big names for tomorrow night’s blockbuster. Sam Docherty, who injured his ACL in opening round this year, has made a miraculous comeback to make himself available for selection.

Team News

Brisbane:

Ins: Jack Payne, Brandon Starcevich

Outs: Darragh Joyce (omitted), Harry Sharp (omitted)

Carlton:

Ins: Sam Docherty, Mitch McGovern, Harry McKay, Zac Williams, Tom De Koning, Adam Cerra

Outs: Alex Cincotta (omitted), Matthew Owies (suspension), Jack Carrol (omitted), Ashton Moir (omitted), Jaxon Binns (omitted), Cooper Lord (omitted).

Our prediction: It is not going to be as one sided as many are suggesting, although Brisbane will prove to be to classy. Brisbane by 23 points at the Gabba.

Our attendance prediction: Expecting to see a capacity crowd at the Gabba tomorrow night of around 42,000 people in attendance.