Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Magpies Prediction: A hot encounter that should not be missed

The third round of the 2024 AFL season begins on Thursday with a showdown at the Gabba, featuring a rematch of the grand final between the Brisbane Lions and the Collingwood Magpies. Neither team has secured a victory yet, heightening the anticipation for what could transpire. Below, we'll delve into a detailed preview of the match, along with potential betting opportunities.

The Brisbane Lions have struggled in the midfield in the early stages of the season, consistently losing both the contested and uncontested disposal counts in each match. The absence of two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale against the Fremantle Dockers certainly hindered their performance. Despite this, several Dockers players were able to dominate, notably Caleb Serong, who set a new club record for Fremantle with 46 disposals. As they approach their upcoming game, the Brisbane Lions find themselves in 12th place in the Australian Football League standings, with a season percentage of 86.59.

The Collingwood Magpies have commenced their premiership defense with a disappointing 0-3 record, marking their worst start to a season since 1999. Early on, they have appeared lackluster and sluggish, suffering defeats against the GWS Giants, Sydney Swans, and most recently, the St. Kilda Saints. It's difficult to determine which loss has been the most alarming, as all three have showcased performances that are uncharacteristic compared to the Collingwood Magpies led by Craig McRae in 2022 and 2023.

The Magpies' defense has been particularly concerning, as they have conceded scores of 114, 102, and 94 points, averaging 103.3 points per game. This average is significantly higher than their average score against in 2023, which stood at 73.3 points per game. To provide context, only the Bombers (107), Kangaroos (111.5), and Eagles (114) are currently conceding more points per game this season.

The start of the season hasn't been satisfactory for either team, especially considering their achievements in 2023. However, the concerns appear to be greater for the Collingwood Magpies compared to the Brisbane Lions based on their recent performances. Despite being winless, the Lions have shown competitiveness in both games, a sentiment not shared by the Magpies. Additionally, the Lions benefit from a relatively healthy squad and have had ample time to prepare for this match following a full week's rest.

Moreover, the Lions have enjoyed recent success against the Magpies, winning four consecutive matches at the Gabba and six straight in home and away fixtures overall. Given the defensive struggles of the Collingwood Magpies in 2024, I anticipate the potent Lions offense to once again take advantage, resulting in the total points exceeding what appears to be a modest line.