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Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Magpies Tips - Lions to pour on more pain for Pies

adam-cusworth
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Last updated: Mon 30 Mar 2026 06:58
The Brisbane Lions are set to host the Collingwood Magpies in an enticing AFL match at the Gabba. Brisbane comes off a strong win against St Kilda, showcasing their midfield and forward depth. In contrast, Collingwood, coming off a victory against GWS, faces challenges in scoring efficiency. Both teams present formidable strength in certain areas: Brisbane in clearance and territory control, and Collingwood in ruck dominance and forward pressure. With key injuries impacting both sides, this match promises to be a defining moment for their 2026 AFL season.
Adam Cusworth 30 Mar 2026
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  • Brisbane Lions host Collingwood Magpies at the Gabba.
  • Lions excel in territory control; Magpies rely on scoring efficiency.
  • Key players: Oscar Allen, Jamie Elliott, Josh Daicos.
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BRISBANE LIONS COLLINGWOOD GABBA
Brisbane host Collingwood at the GABBA on Thursday evening (Getty Images)

Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Magpies Preview




Brisbane will flex their muscles when they host Collingwood at the Gabba in the Easter weekend opener at the GABBA on Thursday night. 

The cream rose for the premiers late in their match when handing St Kilda a 33-point defeat in Round 3, which was the first win of the season for the Lions, who have battled injuries early on in 2026. 

Collingwood come in with the superior win-loss record and 2-1 after a 33-point win over GWS but now face their first interstate test against a side that thrives on midfield dominance and repeat scoring.

The Magpies will rely on their stoppage connection in the Round 4 clash with Nick and Josh Daicos among the key cogs in the engine room but if they don’t convert efficiently up forward, Brisbane’s territory game will take control.

The Lions edge comes through clearance and territory, while their midfield and forward depth will test the Pies, who are set to lose their skipper and key defender, Darcy Moore, while the veteran, Scott Pendlebury is also set to miss. 

Brisbane’s boom recruit, Oscar Allen, is looking more settled by the week and will be hard to contain in a result that should land in the 1-39 point bracket for the home side. Jamie Elliott and Josh Daicos are a couple of Pies to consider in player props and same game multi’s. 

  • Brisbane have kicked over 100 points in two of their three matches this season, while Collingwood are yet to reach that mark.
  • Oscar Allen has kicked 13 goals in his past five matches against Collingwood
  • Jamie Elliott kicked four goals the last time the two sides met
  • Josh Daicos has hit the 25+ disposals in his past four matches against Brisbane

Head to Head


Brisbane and Collingwood met three times in 2025, with the Lions winning the one that really mattered- the Preliminary Final by 29 points. They were 33-point victors in Round 21. Hugh McCluggage had 37 disposals in the Preliminary Final, while Jamie Elliott kicked four goals.

Collingwood won the Easter Thursday clash at the Gabba by 52 points earlier in 2025, part of a strong stretch in this matchup including multiple wins and the 2023 Grand Final.

Brisbane Lions Form Analysis


Despite being 1-2 to start 2026, the Lions are probably the most feared side in the competition. They have shown a strong scoring profile, kicking over 100 points in two of their three matches. 

Their most recent win again highlighted their ability to control territory and convert efficiently, smashing St Kilda 42-28 in clearances and generating 28 scoring shots from just 52 inside 50s. Will Ashcroft (31 disposals) and Jarrod Berry (30) were key contributors in the middle. 

The weakness is when pressure drops early. Brisbane can be drawn into arm wrestles and rely heavily on midfield dominance. If beaten at clearance, their scoring slows and the game becomes more even.

Brisbane Lions Team News


Noah Answerth will miss with concussion, while Harris Andrews remains unavailable due to suspension. Darcy Gardiner also drops out of the side.

Hugh McCluggage and Conor McKenna are expected to return, which strengthens Brisbane’s midfield and transition game significantly.

Collingwood Magpies Form Analysis


Collingwood are 2-1 and come off a 33-point win over GWS. Their best football has been built around ruck dominance, forward pressure and intercept defence.

Nick Daicos had 36 disposals and two goals last week and is averaging 37 this season, further pushing his Brownlow Medal credentials, while Tim Membrey kicked four against St Kilda. 

The issue remains scoring efficiency. They are averaging just over 80 points and have yet to reach 100 this season, while also leaving goals out there last week. Against Brisbane, missed chances will be costly.

Collingwood Magpies Team News


Darcy Moore (hamstring) and Scott Pendlebury (calf) are expected to miss, impacting both structure and leadership.

Jeremy Howe returned last week, while Ed Allan (29 disposals in the VFL) and Jack Buller are pushing for selection.

Verdict

Brisbane to win 1-39 with Oscar Allen 2+ goals, Jamie Elliott 2+ goals and Josh Daicos 25+ disposals in same game multis.
Best Bet1: Winning Margin 1-39 Brisbane Lions -16.5 @6/5 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Oscar Allen To Score 2+ goals @12/23 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Jamie Elliott To Score 2+ goals @9/11 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Winning Margin 1-39
Brisbane Lions -16.5
@6/5 - 1 Unit
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