Round 4 of 2026 brings another chapter in one of the AFL’s modern rivalries. Collingwood Magpies make the trip up to the Gabba to take on the back-to-back reigning premier Brisbane Lions.

These two powerhouse clubs have shared plenty of history recently, including the 2023 grand final, but they arrive at this Round 4 clash on very different trajectories.

Looking for redemption from the last meeting between these teams in last season’s Prelim final, Collingwood will be well aware of the mountain they have to climb.

Brisbane on the other hand, look to have their mojo back after getting their first win of the 2026 season last week against a solid St Kilda outfit.

It was a reminder to the rest of the competition that when the Lions roar, everyone else should probably find some cover.

Meanwhile, the Magpies put together a solid four-quarter effort to overcome the Giants 87-54 on Friday night. Nick Daicos was the undisputed star of that show, racking up a ridiculous 36 disposals.

However, both sides are dealing with significant selection headaches. The Lions' backline will be undermanned as Darcy Gardiner (shoulder) and Noah Answerth (concussion) are set to miss.

The Magpies are arguably worse off, losing skipper Darcy Moore for up to a month with hamstring and knee concerns, while the ageless Scott Pendlebury won’t make the trip as he manages achilles tightness.

We’re hoping Pendles is back soon, as he’s on the door of making Aussie Rules history and breaking the all-time games played record.

It’s a huge clash at the Gabba, if the Pies can take out the Lions in this one, it might be a long season ahead for the boys from Brisbane.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Magpies Round 4 prediction and preview below.

Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Magpies Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Pies are not a contending team in their current format; we are happy to be tied to that statement.

Scoring is difficult for them, and an enormous amount of the heavy lifting is left to the Daicos brothers. While they found a way past the Giants last week, facing the back-to-back premiers on their own turf is a completely different beast.

Brisbane are moving in the right direction after playing with their food last week before blowing St Kilda away in the last stanza.

They lose troops, but they have quality depth returning now and imminently. They’ll be there when things warm up in September.

It’s likely this contest remains close for a half, perhaps even appearing a bit dour as the Magpies try to clog up the Lions' ball movement. However, the sheer class of Brisbane across various lines will eventually shine through.

With a midfield rotation featuring the Ashcroft brothers, Jarrod Berry, Zac Bailey, Cam Rayner, and the prolific Lachie Neale, the Lions simply have too many weapons for a Moore-less Magpies defence to contain.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 22 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Charlie Cameron is a proven performer at the Gabba and despite getting on in years, he remains one of the most electric small forwards in the AFL.

With Collingwood missing their defensive anchor in Darcy Moore, the Magpies' backline may lack the coordination required to track Chucky when the ball hits the deck.

He loves the big stage of an Easter Thursday home game under the lights and is a great shout to slot the first major.

Betting tip: Charlie Cameron.

Most Disposals Prediction

Nick Daicos is a shoo-in for most disposals yet again after recording 36 last week.

No disrespect to the rest of the Pies, but Daicos and his brother have been close to carrying Collingwood this season.

In the rare event that Nick did have an off-game, his brother will be there to pick up the slack.

Either way, the person to top disposals in this one will likely be a Daicos, or Lachie Neale as a smoky. 

Betting tip: Nick Daicos.

Odds are subject to change.*

Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Magpies Predicted Teams

Brisbane Lions Predicted Team List

FB: Ryan Lester, Jack Payne, Keidean Coleman

HB: Dayne Zorko, Brandon Starcevich, Darcy Wilmot

C: Jarrod Berry, Zac Bailey, Bruce Reville

HF: Logan Morris, Cam Rayner, Charlie Cameron

F: Ty Gallop, Oscar Allen, Kai Lohmann

FOLL: Sam Draper, Josh Dunkley, Will Ashcroft

I/C: Jaspa Fletcher, Lachie Neale, Levi Ashcroft, Lincoln McCarthy, Darcy Fort

Collingwood Magpies Predicted Team List

FB: Billy Frampton, Charlie Dean, Brayden Maynard

HB: Dan Houston, Jeremy Howe, Harry Perryman

C: Jack Crisp, Nick Daicos, Steele Sidebottom

HF: Lachie Schultz, Jamie Elliott, Beau McCreery

F: Patrick Lipinski, Tim Membrey, Dan McStay

FOLL: Darcy Cameron, Jordan De Goey, Josh Daicos

I/C: Isaac Quaynor, Wil Parker, Roan Steele, Ned Long, Jack Buller

Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Magpies Match Details

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:30pm AEST

Location: The Gabba, Brisbane

How to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports