Brisbane has found their groove at the right time of the season and last-placed Essendon is about to find that out the hard way at the Gabba on Sunday.

The Lions have now won four straight, backing up a statement win over the second-placed Sydney Swans with a 123-101 shootout victory over Geelong last Thursday.

That result has Chris Fagan's side building serious momentum in their pursuit of a third straight flag; a top four finish is firmly back in their sights.

This clash also carries some extra intrigue as the first meeting between these two sides since their controversial Round 8 encounter, when a photo of a Brisbane whiteboard listing the strengths and weaknesses of Essendon's players found its way into the public domain and dominated headlines for the wrong reasons.

The Lions won that match comfortably at Marvel Stadium, but we’re confident that the Dongs would have revenge at the top of their list when it comes to motivation for this one.

That said though, the Bombers sit rock bottom on the ladder on an 11-match losing streak, with just a single win all year.

Last week's 117-50 hiding at the hands of St Kilda summed up where things currently stand at Tullamarine.

Anything less than a comfortable Brisbane victory at their fortress home ground would be a genuine shock.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Brisbane Lions vs Essendon Bombers Round 18 prediction and preview below.

Brisbane Lions vs Essendon Bombers Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Brisbane arrive at the Gabba full of confidence after knocking off two fellow premiership contenders in Sydney and Geelong across the past fortnight, and a home meeting with the competition's bottom side is about as favourable a draw as they could ask for.

The result opens the door for the Lions to push hard for a top-four finish and keep their three-peat ambitions well and truly alive.

Essendon, on the other hand, continue to slide further into a season best forgotten. The less said about the Bombers' recent form, the better, and the deeper this campaign goes, the worse things seem to look.

Last week's capitulation against St Kilda was so one-sided that reports emerged of Bombers legend Kevin Sheedy attempting to herd departing fans back to their seats as the Saints piled on goal after goal against minimal resistance.

Against a Brisbane side building serious momentum on home turf, there is little reason to expect anything other than a comprehensive Lions victory.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 55 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Charlie Cameron may currently be playing second fiddle to Logan Morris on total goals scored for the Lions, but Cameron has a habit of getting the jump on opposition defences early, just as he did against Geelong last week.

His combination of speed and craft at ground level makes him a constant first-goal threat, and an undermanned Essendon defence looks like the perfect opponent for him to strike early again.

Betting tip: Charlie Cameron.

Most Disposals Prediction

Lachie Neale has indeed still got it as we’ve seen in recent performances. He should make easy work of the struggling Dons midfield and be heavily involved as he looks to boost the potential value of his next contract.

Expect Neale to control the clearances and rack up the touches at will against a Bombers midfield that has been comprehensively outplayed on a weekly basis in 2026.

Betting tip: Lachie Neale.

Brisbane Lions vs Essendon Bombers Predicted Team Lists

Brisbane Lions Confirmed Team List

FB: Noah Answerth, Harris Andrews, Ryan Lester

HB: Darcy Wilmot, Ty Gallop, Dayne Zorko

C: Jarrod Berry, Will Ashcroft, Zac Bailey

HF: Charlie Cameron, Logan Morris, Levi Ashcroft

FF: Sam Draper, Cam Rayner, Kai Lohmann

FOLL: Darcy Fort, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale

I/C: Jaspa Fletcher, Hugh McCluggage, Keidean Coleman, Conor McKenna, James Tunstill, Eric Hipwood, Bruce Reville, Darragh Joyce

Essendon Bombers Confirmed Team List

FB: Jaxon Prior, Zach Reid, Andrew McGrath

HB: Archie Roberts, Mason Redman, Xavier Duursma

C: Archer Day-Wicks, Sam Durham, Angus Clarke

HF: Jye Caldwell, Nate Caddy, Dyson Sharp

FF: Archie Perkins, Peter Wright, Sullivan Robey

FOLL: Nick Bryan, Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish

I/C: Jacob Farrow, Isaac Kako, Nik Cox, Harrison Jones, Max Kondogiannis, Ben McKay, Saad El-Hawli, Lachlan Blakiston

Brisbane Lions vs Essendon Bombers Match Details

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026.

First Bounce: 4:40pm AEST

Location: The Gabba, Brisbane

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports