Round 23 of the AFL season brings the Qclash back to the Gabba and there’s some serious stakes for at least this Brisbane side. 

Brisbane needed a response after conceding 154 points to Carlton and they delivered emphatically. The back-to-back premiers suffocated Hawthorn in front of a packed house at the Gabba where they kicked kicked away to a 125-58.

Kai Lohmann was the headline act with five goals from 24 disposals, built on relentless running rather than pure forward craft. Logan Morris laid the foundation with four first-half majors on Tom Barrass, while Will Ashcroft (39 disposals) and Lachie Neale (35) controlled the middle.

The result lifted the Lions past Adelaide into fourth, and they enter the round holding that spot by a slender 0.2 per cent.

Gold Coast arrives having finally stopped the bleeding. The Suns beat GWS 79-77 in Canberra on Sunday to snap a 10-match losing streak and reigning Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell dragged them there with 40 disposals, 17 clearances and 16 tackles, a performance the club rates among the best in its history.

Despite them snapping their losing streak, this will likely be a bridge too far for a disconnected Gold Coast side as they face this champion Lions side.

With nothing to play for but pride, will the Gold Coast roll over? 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns Round 23 prediction and preview below.

Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Can we stop doubting the Lions now?

Off a horror show against Carlton, the back-to-back champs went whack against Hawthorn and reminded any doubters that this season still runs through Brissy.

Lohmann is making a genuine charge toward an All-Australian blazer, sitting on 46 goals for the year. Morris and Charlie Cameron have both been busy alongside him, and that forward line is producing scoreboard pressure from multiple angles rather than leaning on one target.

The Suns snapped a losing streak for the ages in Canberra, and it was one plenty expected them to tap out of given the wintry conditions facing them in the nation's capital. Credit where it's due.

But the recent history of this rivalry cuts both ways. In Round 20 last season, Gold Coast smacked Brisbane sideways. The Lions then returned serve in the semi-final and ended little brother's year with a 53-point win.

With a place in the four on the line and the Gabba packed, you'd expect to see these Lions do exactly what's needed.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 26 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

The talk around the water cooler of late is that Lohmann should be in the All-Australian conversation and we couldn't agree more.

He's been around the Lions for a few seasons and always contributed reliably, but since locking down a starting role in 2026 he's taken it with both hands.

The numbers back it up. Lohmann has kicked 24 goals in his past seven games to reach 46 for the season, including that five-goal haul against the Hawks.

He's showing no signs of slowing down and the way he tears up and down the Gabba means he's involved early rather than waiting for the ball to come to him.

Lohmann to kick them early and often against little brother.

Betting tip: Kai Lohmann.

Most Disposals Prediction

Will Ashcroft is a beast and his work rate is close to unmatched in the competition.

He collected 39 disposals against quality opposition in Hawthorn last Friday night and was named among Brisbane's best in the process.

With McCluggage sidelined, Ashcroft carries an even heavier share of the midfield load alongside Neale and Josh Dunkley.

Rowell will do everything humanly possible from the other side of the contest, but the Suns look like they’ve only just met each other at times.

Remember what your junior coach said, a champion team beats a team of champions every time. 

Betting tip: Will Ashcroft.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Kai Lohmann 3+ goals, Brisbane Lions to win by 1-39 points, Lachie Neale 30+ disposals, Touk Miller anytime goal scorer.

Odds are subject to change. *

Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns Predicted Teams

Brisbane Lions Predicted Team List

FB: Noah Answerth, Harris Andrews, Ryan Lester

HB: Darcy Wilmot, Darcy Gardiner, Dayne Zorko

C: Jarrod Berry, Will Ashcroft, Zac Bailey

HF: Charlie Cameron, Logan Morris, Oscar Allen

FF: Conor McKenna, Cam Rayner, Kai Lohmann

FOLL: Sam Draper, Josh Dunkley, Levi Ashcroft

I/C: Jaspa Fletcher, Lachie Neale, Daniel Annable, Eric Hipwood, Darcy Fort

Gold Coast Suns Predicted Team List

FB: Charlie Ballard, Bodhi Uwland, Mac Andrew

HB: John Noble, Wil Powell, Daniel Rioli

C: Touk Miller, Noah Anderson, Zeke Uwland

HF: Lachlan Gulbin, Ethan Read, Ben Long

FF: Ben King, Jed Walter, Christian Petracca

FOLL: Ned Moyle, Matt Rowell, Bailey Humphrey

I/C: Sam Clohesy, Leonardo Lombard, Joel Jeffrey, Jake Rogers, Jy Farrar

Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns Match Details

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026

First Bounce: 4:15pm AEST

Location: The Gabba, Brisbane

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports