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Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Tips - Brisbane to have too much firepower for the Demons at the GABBA

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 16 May 2025

Adam Cusworth 16 May 2025

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Brisbane Lions to play Melbourne Demons at the GABBA.
Lions have won four of the past five against the Demons.
Key performances expected from Josh Dunkley and Eric Hipwood.

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brisbane lions vs melbourne demons GABBA

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Hugh McCluggage of the Lions in action during the round 16 AFL match between Brisbane Lions and Melbourne Demons at The Gabba, on June 28, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Preview

Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Preview
Head to Head
Brisbane Lions Form Analysis
Brisbane Lions Team News
Brisbane Lions Team List
Melbourne Demons Form Analysis
Melbourne Demons Team News
Melbourne Demons Team List

Brisbane will be too strong for Melbourne at the GABBA on Sunday afternoon.

Last year’s premiers were pushed by struggling North Melbourne in Hobart last weekend, scraping through with a draw. But their form across the season has been excellent so far and they head back to their home ground of the GABBA.

Melbourne come off a 35-point loss to Hawthorn in Round 9. They were competitive for three-quarters before another last term fadeout saw them concede six goals to one.

The Demons have struggled to impact the scoreboard in 2025 and are averaging less than 60 points in the past three weeks. Hard to see them kicking a winning score against a Lions outfit that defend the ground well.

Look for Brisbane’s host of midfielders to set the game up. Take the Lions to win by 25+ with Eric Hipwood and Josh Dunkley among the major contributors.

Brisbane have won four of the past five between the two sides.
Josh Dunkley has averaged 29 disposals from his past three matches against Melbourne.
Eric Hipwood has kicked 14 goals in the past five rounds.
The Lions top the competition for clearances, Melbourne are 12th in this measure.

Head to Head

Brisbane have won four of the past five against Melbourne and scraped through by five points the last time they met, with that coming at the GABBA in Round 16 last season. Hugh McCluggage, Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko and Josh Dunkley all had 25+ disposals, while Kozzie Pickett booted five goals for Melbourne.

Dunkley has averaged 29 disposals from his past three matches against Melbourne, while Clayton Oliver has averaged 28 for the Demons. Charlie Cameron has kicked nine goals from his past four matches against Melbourne.

Brisbane Lions Form Analysis

Brisbane have been solid in their premiership defence, winning seven of nine as well as their draw against the Kangaroos last weekend. Four of their wins have been against top eight opponents from last season.

Their midfield were beaten at the clearances by North Melbourne in Round 9 but top the competition in this area over the course of 2025, while they are 3rd for inside 50s. Eric Hipwood has stepped up in the forward line without Joe Daniher in 2025, kicking 19 goals so far this season.

Their fleet of midfielders, including Will Ashcroft, Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley are all averaging 25+ disposals.

Brisbane Lions Team News

Jarrod Berry will miss after sustaining a concussion in the draw against North Melbourne. Keidean Coleman isn’t necessarily a like for like replacement but should be ready to return from his long term knee injury after a few games in the VFL.

Brisbane Lions Team List

B: D.Zorko, J.Payne, R.Lester

HB: N.Answerth, H.Andrews - C, D.Wilmot

C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, Z.Bailey

HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, W.Ashcroft

F: C.Rayner, L.Morris, C.Ah Chee

FOLL: O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C (FROM): K.Lohmann, D.Robertson, L.Ashcroft, K.Coleman, T.Gallop, D.Gardiner, D.Fort

In: D.Robertson, K.Coleman, T.Gallop, C.McKenna

Out: J.Berry (Injured)

Melbourne Demons Form Analysis

Melbourne have played just three top eight sides from last year in 2025, resulting in losses to GWS, Geelong and Hawthorn. They have been found out in front of goal, averaging less than 60 points in these matches. They rank 16th for points scored this season, going at just 73 per game.

The Demons have been led well by Max Gawn in recent weeks and are 4th for hitouts, but this hasn't translated to clearances (12th). Christain Petracca and Clayton Oliver are both averaging a tick over 25 disposals per game. Jake Bowey had 28 in the loss to Hawthorn.

Melbourne Demons Team News

Jack Viney will miss another week with concussion. Jake Lever remains on the sidelines but is edging closer to a return. Harrison Petty is expected to be available.

Melbourne Demons Team List

B: J.Bowey, S.May, C.Salem

HB: J.McVee, T.McDonald, T.Rivers

C: C.Windsor, C.Petracca, E.Langdon

HF: H.Sharp, B.Fritsch, T.Sparrow

F: C.Spargo, J.Melksham, K.Pickett

FOLL: M.Gawn - C, C.Oliver, H.Langford

I/C (FROM): D.Turner, B.Laurie, X.Lindsay, B.Howes, T.Fullarton, K.Chandler, A.Johnson

In: J.Melksham, B.Laurie, B.Howes, T.Fullarton, H.Petty, A.Johnson

Out: J.van Rooyen (Omitted), K.Tholstrup (Omitted), M.Jefferson (Omitted)

Verdict

Brisbane v Melbourne

Brisbane to win with Dunkley and Hipwood in good form

Brisbane Lions 25+

Winning Margin 1-24

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