Round 2 of the 2023 AFL season is underway, and two heavy hitters will play off for early bragging rights on Friday night. After a shock loss to Port Adelaide, Brisbane will host a hot Melbourne side at the Gabba in a rematch of last year’s Semi Final. The Lions got the better of the Demons last September, can they build on that performance this time around?
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AFL Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane vs Melbourne
Friday 7:55pm AEDT, March 24th, Gabba
Two of the 2023 flag favourites will go head-to-head on Friday night, in what is sure to be a high-octane encounter.
The narrative around Brisbane in preseason was that this was to be a season of ‘no excuses’ in which the Lions should seriously challenge for the biggest prize in footy. However, those expectations were dented somewhat in Round 1, as Brisbane fell to the Power by a whopping 54 points. Despite fielding a near full-strength line-up, the Lions were humbled by their less fancied opposition, with youngsters doing much of the damage. As such, expect Brisbane to come out swinging on Friday in an attempt to silence the critics and get their season rolling. It wasn’t all bad for the Lions in Round 1 though – Jack Gunston and Conor McKenna both made successful club debuts, managing two goals and 20 disposals, respectively. Daniel Rich was also solid at half back, but Brisbane’s midfield was soundly beaten despite the addition of ball-winner Josh Dunkley. Nevertheless, this week presents a clean slate.
On the other hand, Melbourne were back to their best in the opening round of the season, smashing the Western Bulldogs by 50 points at the MCG. It was a comprehensive performance from the Demons, who were undermanned after preseason injuries to Jack Viney, Bailey Fritsch, Christian Salem and Steven May. Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca were characteristically outstanding in midfield, while Kysaiah Pickett was arguably best afield with four goals and 19 disposals. The latter will miss this game due to suspension. Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy combined well in the ruck and lesser names Kade Chandler and Trent Rivers starred, leaving Demons fans confident that their team has the depth to challenge again in 2023. Melbourne are likely to regain at least two of their injured champions for this encounter, with Salem and May the two most likely to miss again. Given this, the Dees will fancy their chances to go 2-0 on Friday.
This game could easily go either way. Clearly, the Demons have started the campaign on a stronger note, but Brisbane will take confidence from their MCG upset last year. At the same time, Melbourne won both of the home-and-away games between these two teams by an average of 61 points last year, so they are deserved favourites for this one. Viney and Fritsch will bolster the Demons, while the Lions could welcome back Dayne Zorko, but I think the visitors will resign Brisbane to a 0-2 start.
Melbourne to Win
$1.74 (2 Units)
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Lachie Neale 25+ Disposals – Neale had a down day last week by his lofty standards, but don’t expect the same this week. The Brisbane midfielder has had 25+ in his last matches against Melbourne.
Daniel Rich 25+ Disposals – Rich was Brisbane’s best last week, with 26 touches out of defence. The Demons are notorious for conceding ball to opposition defenders, and Rich has taken advantage of this in the past, recording 30, 22 and 33 disposals in the last three matches between the teams.
Jack Gunston 1+ Goals – Gunston started life at Brisbane in style, booting two goals on club debut. The experienced forward will draw the third best defender each week and should hit the scoreboard regularly.
Same Game Multi odds - $3
