Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions Prediction - Round 18 2025

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse for Carlton in 2025… they go and dish that up. 

Against their oldest and greatest rival, no less, the Blues sank further and further into the hole that has become their torrid 2025 season as Collingwood piled on the goals and turned up the heat even further on the entire club. 

You can make excuses that they were missing some key players and needed to play some kids in some key posts, which they were and had to, but it doesn’t excuse the performance. They’ve had problems with kicking and using the ball all season long, but the Blues dished up one of the all-time butchery of the football displays at the MCG on Friday night - something which the Pies feasted on. 

It doesn’t get any easier for the besieged Blues, who have to front up in the spotlight once again under Thursday night lights against the reigning premiers, Brisbane.

The Lions consolidated second spot on the ladder with a powerful performance against the Power at home. An eight-goal -to-three opening quarter blew them away early before consolidating all the way to the end. A defining performance from mid-forward star Zac Bailey, with five goals from his 26 disposals, was a standout as the Lions shared their 18 goals among 12 different goalkickers. 

There’s really only one way we see this match going, but the Lions will be coming off a five-day break and travel into the game, so that might be the Blues' way in. Should they get over their myriad other issues. 

On a selection front, the Blues should get experienced backman Adam Saad back after he missed the Pies game with a concussion. Aside from that, there’s little respite on the injury front. Mid-forward Zac Williams will be monitored after being subbed out at three-quarter-time with an apparent knee issue. In what would be a further body blow for the Blues after Williams was far and away Carlton's best player on Friday night, despite exiting the game early.

Michael Voss swung the axe last week with six changes, and more players were putting their hands up at VFL level in an impressive win to put pressure on the underperforming stars. How many changes does he make this week?

At the Lions, a long-awaited return to the senior lineup could be in the offing for number one ruckman Oscar McInerney, who has spent much of the year nursing soreness in his back and the shoulder that kept him out of the Grand Final. 

With the Lions beginning to click, you couldn’t foresee Chris Fagan making too many changes to his 23. 

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

 

Carlton vs Brisbane Lions Predicted Teams

 

Carlton Predicted Team List

B: Nick Haynes, Jacob Weitering, Jordan Boyd

HB: Adam Saad, Mitch McGovern, Matt Carroll

C: Ollie Hollands, Patrick Cripps, Jaxon Binns

HF: Zac Williams, Tom De Koning, Ashton Moir

F: Jesse Motlop, Charlie Curnow, Orazio Fantasia

Foll: Marc Pittonet, Adam Cerra, George Hewett

Int: Lachie Fogarty, Flynn Young, Ben Camporeale, Corey Durdin, Cooper Lord

 

Brisbane Lions Predicted Team List

B: Dayne Zorko, Harris Andrews, Brandon Starcevich

HB: Noah Answerth, Darcy Gardiner, Darcy Wilmot

C: Zac Bailey, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry

HF: Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood, Cam Rayner

F: Kai Lohmann, Logan Morris, Sam Day

Foll: Oscar McInerney, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale

Int: Ryan Lester, Jaspa Fletcher, Levi Ashcroft, Will Ashcroft, Callum Ah Chee

 

Carlton vs Brisbane Lions Prediction & Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Lions have dominated the Blues in the recent head-to-head battles. The famous come-from-behind one-point win in the Opening Round last year is the Blues' only win over the Lions in the past seven meetings. 

The Lions would also consider Marvel Stadium as their ‘home away from home’, having won 12 of their past 15 matches at the venue.

Who could forget the last time they met in last year's Elimination Final, with the Lions romping out to a 60-0 lead just before halftime before the Blues finally got on the board.

Given the plight of the Blues, we can absolutely see that happening again here. 

If you’re a Carlton fan, you’re really just hoping they turn up and give a yelp.. something they haven’t done in the past three weeks. 

Betting tip: Lions

 

First Goal Prediction

The Lions shared around the goalkicking love with 12 different goal scorers last week. We fully expect them to do something similar to the Blues here, only this time, we think it will be Charlie Cameron kicking it off. 

With 11 goals in his past five matches against the Blues, we’re tipping him to get the party started for the Lions in this one. 

Betting tip: Charlie Cameron

 

Most Disposals Prediction

The numbers in his last month may be fluctuating, but Lions veteran Dayne Zorko always saves his best for the Blues.

He’s always gotten under the guard and punished Carlton with his run-off halfback, and often sneaking through for a goal or two. And you know he’d love the opportunity to drive and twist the knife into the Blues deeper than what it already is.

Betting tip: Dayne Zorko 30+ disposals 

 

Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions Match Details

 

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025

First Bounce: 7:30pm AEST

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne 

How to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports