<p>The Lions return home to host Melbourne (who will be known as Narrm during the Indigenous Round) in a rare Sunday afternoon slot at the Gabba.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Lions were fortunate to escape with a draw against the Roos in Tassie last week given their performance. The two points mean they move half a game clear of the chasing pack at the top of the ladder and could take their relatively poor percentage out of the equation as the season progresses.</p> <p>That said, the reigning premiers have yet to put together four full quarters of football that resemble their best this season, and with teams like Collingwood, Hawthorn, and the Bulldogs breathing down their necks, they cannot afford any more big scares or slip-ups like last week.</p> <p>Narrm’s three-game winning streak ended at the MCG last Saturday when Hawthorn flexed their muscles late, but they can take positives from knowing they can compete with fellow flag contenders following their dismal start to the season.</p> <p>The Lions could welcome back Keidean Coleman, who has been missing since the Opening Round last year due to an ACL injury, to fill the void left by Jarrod Berry, who will miss due to concussion.</p> <p>It’s also a watch-and-wait situation for ruckman Oscar McInerney after it was revealed this week that he has been receiving epidural injections to improve his conditioning and manage soreness week-to-week.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dees will be hoping swingman Harrison Petty can pass through concussion protocols and take his place against the Lions. They may also welcome back veteran Jake Melksham, who was managed against the Hawks after a lengthy block of games. He’s likely to come in for either Matt Jefferson or Jacob van Rooyen.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Lions vs Dees prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane vs Melbourne Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Brisbane Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Ryan Lester, Jack Payne, Dayne Zorko</p> <p>HB: Jaspa Fletcher, Harris Andrews, Darcy Wilmot</p> <p>C: Noah Answerth, Zac Bailey, Levi Ashcroft</p> <p>HF: Hugh McCluggage, Eric Hipwood, Charlie Cameron</p> <p>F: Callum ah Chee, Logan Morris, Cam Rayner</p> <p>Foll: Oscar McInerney, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale</p> <p>Int: Kai Lohmann, Will Ashcroft, Darcy Fort, Keidean Coleman, Darcy Gardiner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Jake Bowey, Steven May, Judd McVee</p> <p>HB: Xavier Lindsay, Tom McDonald, Trent Rivers</p> <p>C: Caleb Windsor, Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon&nbsp;</p> <p>HF: Daniel Turner, Bayley Fritsch, Tom Sparrow</p> <p>F: Charlie Spargo, Jacob van Rooyen, Kysaiah Pickett</p> <p>Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Harvey Langford</p> <p>Int: Jake Melksham, Christian Salem, Harry Sharp, Koltyn Tholstrup, Harrison Petty</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane vs Melbourne Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Lions have enjoyed recent success against the Demons, winning four of the past five matches. Narrm’s last win at the Gabba came in 2022, and have travelled there twice since for two big defeats.</p> <p>All eyes will be on the Lions’ engine room and how they respond to last week's near disaster. They lost the clearance battle by 15 against a younger but potent Roos midfield, and come up this week against the hardened bodies of Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, and young bull Harvey Langford who is making a big impression at the top level.</p> <p>Speaking of Oliver, it was surprising to see him deployed as a tagger last week against Hawks ace Jai Newcombe - and it worked! Keeping the usually prolific Newcombe to a season-low 19 possessions. This move allegedly came at the request of the man himself, so all eyes are on who he goes to stand next to and latch onto from the first centre bounce of the game.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lions X-Factor pairing Cam Rayner and Zac Bailey both celebrate their 150th games this week too. A big occasion and milestone for the pair that the Lions selected early on in their draft, nurtured into superstars and and have centred their build to premiership glory around.</p> <p>Back at home and knowing they need to respond after last week's slip-up, we’re backing the Lions in strongly here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-melbourne-9186709">Lions</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Superstar small forward Charlie Cameron briefly returned to goalkicking form against the Suns before sinking back with just the one goal against the Roos.</p> <p>Lucky for him, he’s loved playing Narrm in recent seasons, scoring 13 goals from his past five matches against the Dees. Hope the DJ at the Gabba has John Denver ready to roll early!</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-melbourne-9186709">Charlie Cameron</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>The easy bet here is Lions veteran Dayne Zorko. He’s still racking up the ball for fun, averaging 27.8 disposals from his past five games.</p> <p>He got 39 touches last week, so he’s our tip to go big once again.</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-melbourne-9186709">Dayne Zorko 30 disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Sunday, May 18th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 3:20 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> The Gabba, Brisbane</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>