The Gabba will be packed for this Opening Round clash in Brisbane on Saturday night. With AFL peaking in popularity in the Sunshine State, expect a chaotic atmosphere when the Bulldogs take on the Lions this Saturday. 

Taking the first step towards an historic three-peat, the Brisbane Lions will kick off their new campaign with a challenging fixture when they welcome Marcus Bontempelli’s Western Bulldogs.

The Lions went from strength-to-strength in the offseason, adding a host of fresh signings to their cup-winning squad.

Oscar Allen and Sam Draper joined via free agency, as well as Daniel Annable out of their academy, though it remains to be seen if that trio will be involved on Saturday with Allen managing concussion and Draper in doubt for the Opening Round. 

The Bulldogs enter 2026 hoping to improve on a 14-9 record that often saw them struggle to bank wins against the AFL’s top eight teams. With two tough losses to Brisbane last season, the Dogs will be desperate to prove they’ve bridged the gap. 

This Saturday night blockbuster at the Gabba will be unmissable footy, a fantastic opportunity for both clubs to start their season off on the right foot. 

For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs prediction and preview below. 

Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Even in the Opening Round of the season, the pressure is on the Western Bulldogs.

Dogs fans will be desperate for their team to prove they’ve grown from last year and come back from Queensland with the 4 points secured.

It’s a tall order considering they’re facing the back-to-back reigning premiers, but is there ever going to be a better opportunity for these Bulldogs to get up and rolling?

They looked slick in the pre-season against Hawks, with their offensive punch still as potent as ever and they looked more aware defensively with Kennedy, Bontempelli and Sanders eager to get back and assist.

Former Gold Coast Sun Budarick also looks a handy pick-up, as Bailey Dale builds into the season off the knee injury.

The Lions are potent and their ferocity is definitely still there, there are still so many at the club seeking premiership glory. Arrivals Allen and Draper want some silverware, Kiddy Coleman does, too.

Lincoln McCarthy missed both Premiership Cups, whilst there are more than a couple of kids making waves. Good players will miss out on this starting 23 each week.

It will be a big test for the Dogs, but we’re expecting the Lions to build into the season slowly. 

Betting tip: Bulldogs by 14 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

When the Lions are at the Gabba, the crowd waits for one man to provide the spark.

Charlie Cameron is him, the ultimate entertainer who knows how to find the sticks. With the Gabba packed out and buzzing for the season opener, we can already picture Charlie pouncing on a loose ball and sending one through the sticks to ignite the Lions’ home crowd early. 

Betting tip: Charlie Cameron.

Most Disposals Prediction

Coming off a highly publicised and highly dramatic offseason, fans won’t have forgotten that Lachie Neale is still one of the toughest competitors in the AFL.

The former Lions captain will be desperate to get back to the field and back to doing what he does best, play footy. 

Even with the Lions' midfield depth, Neale’s ability to find space, his high-IQ positioning, and his sheer work rate in the clinches make him a strong chance of leading the disposal count. 

The two-time Brownlow winner dictates the tempo of the Lions' offense like no other.

Betting tip: Lachie Neale.

Odds are subject to change.*

Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs Predicted Teams

Brisbane Lions Predicted Team List

B: Ryan Lester, Harris Andrews, Noah Answerth

HB: Jaspa Fletcher, Darcy Gardiner, Dayne Zorko

C: Jarrod Berry, Hugh McCluggage, Levi Ashcroft

HF: Zac Bailey, Ty Gallop, Cam Rayner

F: Charlie Cameron, Oscar Allen, Logan Morris

Foll: Darcy Fort, Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley

I/C: Darcy Wilmot, Will Ashcroft, Bruce Reville, Keidean Coleman, Kai Lohmann

Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List

B: Connor Budarick, James O'Donnell, Lachie Bramble

HB: Bailey Dale, Rory Lobb, Joel Freijah

C: Bailey Williams, Marcus Bontempelli, Oskar Baker

HF: Rhylee West, Aaron Naughton, Matt Kennedy

F: Jordan Croft, Sam Darcy, Arthur Jones

Foll: Tim English, Ed Richards, Tom Liberatore

I/C:  Ryley Sanders, Cooper Hynes, Lachie Jaques, Buku Khamis, Josh Dolan

Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs Match Details

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 

First bounce: 7:35pm AEDT 

Location: The Gabba, Brisbane

How to watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports