North Melbourne are set for a huge challenge this weekend in the AFL when they take on premiership hopefuls Brisbane at the Adelaide Hills Oval.
The Lions are seen by some as home ground, flat-track bullies, so it will be interesting to see if they get a hold of an improved Kangaroos outfit on Saturday afternoon.
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AFL Round 5 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane vs North Melbourne
Saturday 1:10pm AEST, April 15th, Adelaide Hills Oval
Brisbane and North Melbourne have both produced mixed-bag performances so far in 2023, so it’s about time that one of these sides shows some consistency.
The Lions have showcased their premiership credentials in wins over Collingwood and Melbourne, but at the same time, losses to Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs have left a sour taste in supporters’ mouths. Undoubtedly, a win is the only result that fans and the media alike will accept this week, especially given last week’s effort. Brisbane destroyed Collingwood by 33 points in Round 4, led by dynamic forwards Charlie Cameron and Cam Rayner who kicked 10 goals between them. Joe Daniher also silenced the critics with a two-goal, 20-disposal game, while Will Ashcroft continued to display his Rising Star credentials with a 26-touch outing. Notably, the likes of Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley, Dayne Zorko and Jack Gunston did not standout, indicating that the Lions have another gear to go to. Key distributor Daniel Rich should return to the line-up this week, leaving Brisbane at just about full strength. It was said in preseason and I will say it again now, the Lions have no excuses anymore.
North Melbourne will have mixed emotions after their opening month. On the plus side, few would have expected the Kangaroos to claim two wins so early in the campaign. But, on the other hand, the two losses would not sit well with master coach Alistair Clarkson, especially given one of them was against his old side. Nevertheless, the Roos are tracking well compared to preseason expectations. It’s mostly been thanks to the youth, who have really stepped up – Harry Sheezel is making his claim for the best season ever by a first-year draftee, while Luke Davies-Uniacke, Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis and Charlie Comben have all been fantastic. LDU especially looks like he is already a star of the competition, so expect opposition teams to put some work into him over the course of the season. Heading into this clash, North should regain key defender Ben McKay, who will provide some welcome stability in the back half, so the players will be confident that they can take it up to Brisbane on neutral territory.
That being said, the Lions have had the better of NM in recent years. Brisbane have won the last five encounters between these teams, including a 108-point drubbing at the GABBA last year. With a healthy list and talent right across the park, it’s hard to see the Lions dropping this game, and when they win, they often win big. Yes, North are an improved outfit, but I will reluctantly be taking Brisbane at the line in this one.
Brisbane -28.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
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Jack Ziebell 20+ Disposals – Ziebell has returned to the backline this year with great reward, averaging 25 disposals. The Roos leader shares kick-ins with Sheezel, so if Brisbane get on top there will be plenty of free ball available in this one.
Josh Dunkley 25+ Disposals– Dunkley has averaged 23.5 disposals in his first month at Brisbane, but I love him in this matchup for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the Kangaroos have struggled against big-bodied midfielders for a while now and, secondly, there is some rain forecast which should aid Dunkley’s in-and-under style of play.
Cam Rayner 1+ Goals – Could last week’s breakout performance propel Rayner into some goal-kicking form up forward? I think it’s definitely a possibility. After four goals last week, it’s hard to see Rayner missing out here.
Same Game Multi odds - $2.80
