AFL: Brisbane out to avoid Blues banana skin

Brisbane are out to make up for last season's AFL grand final defeat, but first they must get past Carlton to book their semi-final spot.

The Lions suffered heartbreak in the grand final in 2023 when just losing out to Collingwood, and they will be desperate to make amends.

However, having finished outside of the top four in fifth spot, they will have to do it the hard way.

But at least they have a home final and being at the Gabba should give them a big advantage over a Carlton side that limped into finals.

The Blues won just one of their last five games and only made the eight after Fremantle lost the very last game of the regular season against Port Adelaide.

But now they get to start afresh in finals and, with no-one outside of the club fancying their chances of going all the way, they could be a dangerous animal.

There was just one point in it the last time the two sides met and it could be another close one on Saturday night.

. What: Brisbane Lions v Carlton
. Where: The Gabba, Brisbane
. When: 19:30 (AEST), Saturday 7th September
. How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo, Channel 7
. Odds: Brisbane 1.25, Carlton 4.00

Lions need to regain their roar

Brisbane were flying towards the end of the regular season, and were many peoples hot fancy to go all the way in 2024.

However, a couple of defeats against GWS and Collingwood, stopped them in their tracks, meaning they had to miss out on the top four.

It will make the task of winning the premiership even harder, but the Lions will believe they have the quality needed to get the job done.

Chris Fagan’s side are one of the form teams heading into finals and will fancy their chances at the Gabba.

They can be backed at 5.00 to beat Carlton by 25-34 points and book their place in the semi-finals.

Wayward goalkicking has been an issue for the Lions and they will need to put that right if they are to go deep into finals.

Joe Daniher has been a big culprit, but he has what it takes to stand up when it matters and he is priced at 8.00 to boot the first goal of the game.

Big guns back to boost Blues

It has been a tough end to the season for the Blues, who can count themselves fortunate to be in finals.

However, they are boosted by the return of some key players that will increase their chance of getting the job done in Brisbane.

Sam Docherty, Mitch McGovern, Harry McKay, Zac Williams, Tom De Koning and Adam Cerra all return and have big roles to play.

Along with Charlie Cameron, McKay is a big threat with the boot and is priced at 10.00 to kick the first goal of the game, while Cameron is 11.00.

The Gabba should also hold no fear for Carlton. Way back in the opening round of 2024, the Blues came back from 46 points down to win a thriller by one point.

If history is to repeat itself, they can be backed at 7.50 to win by 1-12 points.