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Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions Tips - Close one in store between Bulldogs and Lions at Norwood Oval

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 10 Apr 2025

Adam Cusworth 10 Apr 2025

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Brisbane Lions remain unbeaten, aiming to continue their streak against Western Bulldogs.
Key players Neale, Cameron to lead Lions; Liberatore shines for Bulldogs despite injuries.
Lions excel in midfield, clearances; Bulldogs face a tough test without key players.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Harris Andrews of the Lions and James O'Donnell of the Bulldogs compete for the ball during the 2024 AFL Round 13 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium on June 07, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions Preview

Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions Preview
Head to Head
Western Bulldogs Form Analysis
Western Bulldogs Team News
Western Bulldogs Team List
Brisbane Lions Form Analysis
Brisbane Lions Team News
Brisbane Lions Team List

Brisbane can maintain their unbeaten start to the season against a brave Western Bulldogs outfit that continue to be without key players.

The Lions are 4-0 heading into Gather Round and have overcome a delayed start to pre-season and an interrupted opening due to Cyclone Alfred in the Sunshine State.

They come off a 28-point win over Richmond when taking their foot off the accelerator against the young Tigers late in the MCG clash.

On the same weekend, the Western Bulldogs matched motors with Fremantle before going down late in the Optus Stadium clash by 16.

This does shape as a close one but the Lions have too much depth in the midfield and can get on top in the clearance and inside 50 battle, setting up enough opportunities for their forwards to score.

Lachie Neale will find plenty of the footy, while Charlie Cameron can bob up in the forward line. Tom Liberatore will continue his strong early season form for the Bulldogs.

Brisbane were 53 point winners the last time the two sides met.
Lachie Neale has averaged 32.5 disposals in his past four outings against the Bulldogs.
Tom Liberatore is averaging 30.5 disposals per game this season.
Charlie Cameron has booted four goals from his two matches in 2025.

Head to Head

Brisbane were 53 point winners the last time the two sides met, with that coming in Round 13 last season. Lachie Neale ran amok with 38 disposals, while Eric Hipwood kicked six goals.

Neale has averaged 32.5 disposals in his past four outings against the Bulldogs. Charlie Cameron has kicked eight from his past four. Bailey Dale and Tom Liberatore have averaged 25+ disposals in their past four against the Lions.

Western Bulldogs Form Analysis

The Bulldogs depth has been tested this year with some well documented injuries. Their four matches have been decided by 16 points or less and they have gone win-loss-win-loss.

Tom Liberatore has stood up in the midfield in the absence of Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar, averaging 30.5 disposals per game, 14 contested possessions and seven clearances, sitting in the top 10 of the competition for all of these measures.

Sam Darcy has kept them in games inside forward 50 with 12 goals from his four matches. Lachlan McNeil Latham Vandermeer, Ryley Sanders and Aaron Naughton have chimed in with five goals apiece.

Western Bulldogs Team News

Big names including Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar will continue to miss. Latham Vandermeer is in doubt with a knee issue, while Oscar Baker will miss due to suspension. Anthony Scott and Taylor Duryea are among the possible inclusions.

Western Bulldogs Team List

B: B.Khamis, L.Jones, L.Bramble

HB: J.Johannisen, R.Lobb, B.Dale

C: B.Williams, T.Liberatore - C, S.Davidson

HF: C.Hynes, A.Naughton, R.Sanders

F: J.O’Donnell, S.Darcy, J.Harmes

FOLL: T.English, M.Kennedy, E.Richards

I/C: L.Cleary, J.Dolan, J.Freijah, L.McNeil, R.West

EMG: J.Busslinger, H.Gallagher, C.Poulter

In: J.Johannisen, C.Hynes, L.Cleary

Out: O.Baker (Suspension), L.Vandermeer (Injured), H.Gallagher (Omitted)

Brisbane Lions Form Analysis

Brisbane’s wins have been over Sydney, West Coast, Geelong and Richmond. They have been a bit unconvincing in those with the 28-point margin over the Tigers the highest of the four, while they were able to overcome deficits against Geelong and West Coast.

The Lions lead the competition for clearances and are 3rd for contested possessions. Their midfield bats very deep. Four players average more than 25 disposals per game this season, including Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley, while Hugh McLuggage is at 24.75.

The Lions rank 2nd for inside 50s but are still working things out in their forward line in the absence of Joe Daniher. The Lions are 12th for goals per inside 50 and 6th for scoring. Zac Bailey is their leading goal-kicker with nine goals from four matches.

Brisbane Lions Team News

Kai Lohmann is some hope of returning from his nagging ankle injury. Bruce Reville might be elevated into the starting 22. Brandon Starcevich’s future remains uncertain as he battles concussion issues. Tom Doedee made his comeback from a year out with a knee injury via the VFL but will likely need more match fitness under the belt.

Brisbane Lions Team List

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

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

C: J.Fletcher, Z.Bailey, J.Berry

HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, H.McCluggage

F: C.Rayner, S.Day, L.Morris

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

I/C: C.Ah Chee, W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, W.McLachlan, B.Reville

EMG: S.Marshall, D.Gardiner, D.Fort

No changes

Verdict

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane

Charlie Cameron and Lachie Neale to help the Lions get over the line in a tight one. Liberatore to continue good form for Dogs

Charlie Cameron

To Score 2+ goals

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