Brisbane Lions vs Sydney Swans Prediction - Round 22 2025

Just when a hint of doubt starts creeping in about the Lions and whether they can go back-to-back, they go and pull off something like that.

Fresh off a rare Q-Clash thrashing the week before, they responded in the best possible way—marching into the MCG and putting away the Pies in emphatic fashion. It was something to behold, especially from their young forward line. Logan Morris continues his rapid rise as one of the best young forwards in the comp, and it looks like they may have unearthed another key tall in Henry Smith, who slotted three goals of his own.

The Lions' usual suspects were all in the thick of it too—Rayner, McCluggage, Neale, Dunkley, Berry, the Ashcrofts... It’s a superstar-studded lineup at the Den right now. And when they all click? It’s a frightening sight for the rest of the competition.

Meanwhile, the Swans had to scrap their way to a win over Essendon in soggy conditions last Saturday. After their loss to the Giants the week before, they’re now officially in "also-ran" territory for season 2025. And although the weather stopped them from putting a bigger margin on a depleted Bombers outfit, their key players still stood up.

Brodie Grundy is making a serious All-Australian case—he’s firmly in the ‘too good to ignore’ phase of his season—and Errol Gulden continues to make up for lost time with another standout performance.

Which brings us to this intriguing clash at the Gabba. The Swans will be eager to play spoilers over the final three rounds, and Brisbane looms as a prime target. They’ll fancy themselves to cause some headaches on the Lions’ run into September.

Brisbane’s headaches have already started, though, with Lachie Neale ruled out until finals due to a quad tear. Assuming Geelong comfortably accounts for Essendon, the Lions will have slipped to fourth by the time this one kicks off—and with Fremantle only half a game behind, they can’t afford to drop points now. It could be back to walking the tightrope for Chris Fagan and his side.

There'll be at least two forced changes for the Lions. Neale is out, and so is key defender Ryan Lester (calf and concussion). Lester’s absence could finally open the door for Tom Doedee to make his Lions debut—nearly two years after signing as a free agent and working his way back from consecutive ACL injuries. Deven Robertson looks the likely replacement for Neale after a strong season in the VFL.

For the Swans, forwards Will Hayward and Hayden McLean will both be pushing to return after missing the Bombers game, while Matt Roberts responded well to his VFL demotion with 31 touches.

Ollie Florent didn’t exactly set the world on fire in his return to the seniors, so he might find himself under pressure at selection.

For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Lions vs Swans preview and predictions below.

 

Brisbane vs Sydney Predicted Teams

 

Brisbane Predicted Team List

B: Dayne Zorko, Darcy Gardiner, Brandon Starcevich

HB: Darcy Wilmot, Harris Andrews, Tom Doedee

C: Jaspa Fletcher, Hugh McCluggage, Levi Ashcroft

HF: Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood, Jarrod Berry

F: Cam Rayner, Logan Morris, Callum Ah Chee

Foll: Darcy Fort, Josh Dunkley, Will Ashcroft

Int: Deven Robertson, Sam Marshall, Henry Smith, Zac Bailey, Bruce Reville

 

Sydney Predicted Team List

B: Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican, Nick Blakey

HB: Callum Mills, Tom McCartin, Sam Wicks

C: Braeden Campbell, Chad Warner, Jake Lloyd

HF: James Jordon, Jack Buller, James Rowbottom

F: Jesse Dattoli, Peter Ladhams, Tom Papley

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden

Int: Harry Cunningham, Angus Sheldrick, Matt Roberts, Peter Ladhams, Caiden Cleary

 

Brisbane vs Sydney Prediction & Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Lions have won the past five games against the Swans, and have won seven of the past eight head-to-head meetings.

This is the Swans longest current losing streak against any side in the competition, and while they are looking to lay a foundation for next year, they still have something to try and arrest here when they go up to the Gabba.

While the Lions sit in the top four on the ladder, they still find themselves a drop off the pace profile-wise, sitting sixth overall and not jumping out top two in any major categories. While the Swans are out of the finals race, they’re certainly the best of the rest to test the credentials of the reigning premiers.

The Lions should be too good at home here, but here’s a chance for the Swans to land a big punch. 

Betting tip: Lions

 

First Goal Prediction

Callum Ah Chee has had some fun playing against Sydney recently. The most fun he’s had against them was on Grand Final day last year with a bag of four.

He’s only kicked two goals in the past five weeks, but with an opponent he enjoys playing against, we’re backing him to get the first one here. 

Betting tip: Callum Ah Chee

 

Most Disposals Prediction

You’d be hard-pressed to find a midfielder who has put together a more consistent season than Hugh McCluggage this year. 

Averaging 26.6 disposals per game this season, you’d be a brave man to overlook him for a belated All-Australian blazer this year. He’s our tip for most disposals here. 

Betting tip: Hugh McCluggage 30+ disposals 

 

Brisbane Lions vs Sydney Swans Match Details

 

Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025

First Bounce: 4:15 pm, AEST

Location: The Gabba, Brisbane

How to watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports