Brisbane Lions have continued their rise up the ladder with a win over Collingwood at the Gabba while all eyes will be on whether Nick Daicos will be fit for Gather Round after he was withdrawn just before the match.
The Lions were never headed and had winners across the ground despite using a makeshift defence due to injuries and suspensions with Will Ashcroft and Dayne Zorko brilliant with ball in hand as the home side won by 54 points.
The biggest difference in the match was the forward lines with the potent Lions leaving several goals on the floor due to some inaccurate kicking but still posting a bumper score with Logan Morris (three goals), Kai Lohmann (four goals) and Oscar Allen (three goals) all impressive along with cameos from Charlie Cameron and the Lions midfield.
Will Ashcroft’s third-term goal will be a goal of the year contender, just adding to his stunning night.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on how Craig McRae’s Magpies bounce back from a very underwhelming start to 2026 and their ongoing struggles to kick goals. Outside of Dan McStay’s three goals, the Pies had few dangers forward of the middle.
Daicos’ calf injury will alarm supporters despite the Magpies remaining confident he will be fit for Gather Round in Adelaide next weekend while Steele Sidebottom showed great determination to play on after a blistering hit from Keidean Coleman.
The Lions are due to get premiership star defender Harris Andrews back from suspension, just adding to their ascension.
