Gabba will play host to Friday's AFL game between Brisbane Lions and Carlton Blues. The game kicks off at 7:40 pm with Brisbane Lions heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Brisbane Lions vs. Carlton Blues game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday March 8, 2024 at 7:40 pm

Where: Gabba

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Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Blues Odds

Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Blues Preview

There won’t be any love lost on Friday night with the rivalry between Brisbane and Carlton firmly reignited.

The Lions made it a perfect season at the Gabba when they ran out 16 point winners over the Blues in last year’s Prelim Final, a margin that probably doesn’t do Brisbane any justice after erasing an early five-goal deficit.

Chris Fagan’s side led by as many as three goals at three-quarter time, making the most of their inside 50 entries and also forcing the Blues into some crucial turnovers when it mattered most.

The Lions failed to complete the story two weeks later, losing a heartbreaker to Collingwood in a Grand Final classic that could see Friday’s game, and the rest of the season, go one of two ways.

Whether it’s motivation or maturation remains to be seen, but given Brisbane’s record at the Gabbator, and the fact Sam Walsh is set to miss opening round with a back injury, it’s no surprise to find the Lions at a very short price.

Looking ahead, I dare say the Blues will be treating this game as a ‘free crack’ so to speak. A lot would have to go wrong for Carlton to miss the finals, but this is still a chance for Michael Voss’ young squad to measure up against one of the benchmark teams in the competition.

That said, the Lions were utterly dominant in their preseason hit-out against Sydney last week, and I’d be very surprised if a Chris Fagan-coached side didn’t come out with a point to prove after falling short on the biggest stage last time we saw them.

The question of a hangover is one thing, but there are so many layers to Brisbane’s depth and talent.

How the forward line operates over the course of the season will be fascinating, but with expectations even higher this year, I think we see Brisbane dominate around the clearances and record a statement win.

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