Things are going from bad to worse as Carlton’s season continues to unravel before our eyes. They bring a 1-7 record into a frightening contest with the back-to-back champion Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

Round 9 of the AFL season spells danger for the Blues away from home – after they slumped to a 108-69 loss to St Kilda following yet another second half fadeout.

The Blues’ inability to compete in second halves needs to be studied, with many pundits laying blame at the feet of underperforming stars like Harry McKay and Patrick Cripps.

Michael Voss’ role as Carlton coach hanging by a thread after eight rounds; with his dismissal increasingly appearing to be a matter of when rather than if.

On the other hand, Brisbane moved into the top four after a dominant 143-79 victory over Essendon last Saturday. A three-pronged attack led the way for the Lions, with Zac Bailey, Logan Morris and Kai Lohmann all bagging four goals.

The Lions took the four points the last time these two sides met, winning 103-66 in Round 18 last year.

With the Blues effectively on life support and the Lions finding their premiership-winning groove, this Friday night fixture looms as a lopsided affair.

Can Carlton find a shred of dignity in one of the toughest road trips in footy, or will the reigning premiers sharpen their claws on another wounded opponent?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Round 9 prediction and preview below.

Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Staggeringly, these Blues have lost five games this season after leading at halftime.

Some of those have been leads deep into the third quarter or even the last term.

Fortunately, it’s fairly unlikely they’ll need to worry about being in front against these Lions.

Brisbane were far too powerful for Essendon on the road last week and get back-to-back looks at bottom-four sides.

It may even be an opportune time for a few Lions to take a rest; something Chris Fagan has done far less than we would’ve expected.

The sheer firepower of the Brisbane midfield, led by Lachie Neale and the Ashcroft brothers, should be enough to overwhelm a Carlton side that looks to have given up the ghost.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 41 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Logan Morris has been absolutely killing it lately, playing with a level of confidence beyond his age.

After his four-goal haul against the Bombers, he is the logical choice to hit the scoreboard early.

Expect the Lions dominant mids to find Morris in the opening term as they look to put the result beyond doubt by quarter time.

Betting tip: Logan Morris.

Most Disposals Prediction

Lachie Neale remains the gold standard for consistency and ball-winning ability in the Brisbane engine room.

Averaging over 30 disposals this season, he is a safe bet to lead the stats sheet here; particularly against a Carlton midfield that has struggled to maintain pressure across four quarters.

Neale thrives under the Gabba lights and should find plenty of the Sherrin this Friday.

Betting tip: Lachie Neale.

Odds are subject to change. *

Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions Predicted Team Lists

Brisbane Lions Predicted Team List

FB: Ryan Lester, Jack Payne, Darragh Joyce

HB: Dayne Zorko, Harris Andrews, Jaspa Fletcher

C: Jarrod Berry, Lachie Neale, Sam Marshall

HF: Zac Bailey, Logan Morris, Cam Rayner

FF: Charlie Cameron, Oscar Allen, Kai Lohmann

Foll: Sam Draper, Hugh McCluggage, Josh Dunkley

I/C: Darcy Wilmot, Keidean Coleman, Levi Ashcroft, Will Ashcroft, Lincoln McCarthy

Carlton Blues Predicted Team List

FB: Nic Newman, Brodie Kemp, Lachlan Cowan

HB: Jordan Boyd, Mitch McGovern, Oliver Florent

C: Matthew Carroll, Patrick Cripps, Blake Acres

HF: Ben Ainsworth, Harry McKay, Will Hayward

FF: Jagga Smith, Jack Ison, Ashton Moir

Foll: Marc Pittonet, George Hewett, Sam Walsh

I/C: Elijah Hollands, Francis Evans, Adam Cerra, Lachie Fogarty, Cooper Lord

Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Blues Match Details

Date: Friday, May 8, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:30pm AEST.

Location: The Gabba, Brisbane.

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.