<p>It’s been a while since we've had a genuine Saturday night blockbuster at the MCG — but we’ve certainly got one here with Collingwood taking on Brisbane.</p> <p>If you’ve ever wanted a glimpse of what a potential night Grand Final at the MCG might look like, this clash could serve as a pretty compelling preview.</p> <p>The Pies put two weeks of losses behind them last Sunday, led by young star Nick Daicos, cruising to a comfortable 36-point win over Richmond in tough conditions. It wasn’t all smooth sailing — Richmond brought the heat early — but Daicos ensured the result was never really in doubt. He not only dominated the contest but likely pocketed all three Brownlow votes in the process.</p> <p>While Collingwood steadied their ship, the Lions — who had been powering toward a top-two finish and looking well placed to defend their crown — hit a major roadblock. They were stunned by a 66-point loss to their Queensland rivals, the Gold Coast Suns, in one of the season’s biggest upsets.</p> <p>Now, as they regroup in Melbourne ahead of a massive top-four showdown at the ‘G — a ground that no longer holds any real fear for them — the Lions face a true moment of reckoning.</p> <p>Collingwood could be bolstered by the return of a key trio: Jordan De Goey, Bobby Hill, and Billy Frampton are all firming to return to the senior side after getting through the VFL in Frankston last week. Each has been recovering from injury or time away for personal reasons.</p> <p>Scott Pendlebury is also set to return after being a late withdrawal last week. He will come in for Lachie Sullivan, who is likely out now for the remainder of the season after suffering a PCL injury.</p> <p>Brisbane, meanwhile, will be forced into at least one change, with Irishman Conor McKenna sidelined by a hamstring injury that will keep him out until at least the finals.</p> <p>Will McLachlan and Bruce Reville have been the preferred depth options throughout the year and are both in the mix, depending on how Chris Fagan wants to shuffle his side.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our full Pies vs Lions preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Brisbane Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Collingwood Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Issac Quaynor, Darcy Moore, Brayden Maynard</p> <p>HB: Dan Houston, Billy Frampton, Josh Daicos</p> <p>C: Steele Sidebottom, Ned Long, Patrick Lipinski</p> <p>HF: Jack Crisp, Brody Mihocek, Jordan De Goey</p> <p>F: Bobby Hill, Tim Membrey, Jamie Elliott</p> <p>Foll: Darcy Cameron, Nick Daicos, Scott Pendlebury</p> <p>Int: Harry Perryman, Dan McStay, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Tom Mitchell, Lachie Schultz</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Brisbane Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Ryan Lester, Harris Andrews, Dayne Zorko</p> <p>HB: Darcy Wilmot, Darcy Gardiner, Brandon Starcevich</p> <p>C: Jarrod Berry, Hugh McCluggage, Jaspa Fletcher</p> <p>HF: Cam Rayner, Eric Hipwood, Levi Ashcroft</p> <p>F: Charlie Cameron, Logan Morris, Callum Ah Chee</p> <p>Foll: Darcy Fort, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale</p> <p>Int: Zac Bailey, Oscar McInerney, Will Ashcroft, Sam Marshall, Bruce Reville</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Brisbane Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Pies' stranglehold over the Lions has continued, leading the head-to-head with wins in four of the past five matches.&nbsp;</p> <p>The last two matches that these sides have played at the MCG have been decided by a collective five points… both going Collingwood’s way.</p> <p>For the Lions, it's the chance to test themselves against the best defensive profile in the game (Yes, the Crows are best over the past month, but the Pies still hold the lead there overall)</p> <p>Nick Daicos was the conductor for everything that Collingwood did last week and found a stack of the footy in the process. Expect Pendlebury to take that role back with him coming back in to allow Nick to roam free and do as he wants. That’s unless the Lions don’t roll with a tag by Josh Dunkley on him.</p> <p>Will the Pies roll with someone on Lachie Neale or Hughey McCluggage? Really, we just want these two sides to go hammer and tong and give us a preview of what we might get later in September.&nbsp;</p> <p>While they did lose to Fremantle at home not too long ago, you’d be silly still to go past the Pies at the G.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-brisbane-lions-9433220">Pies</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Ex-Lion Dan McStay gets another chance to pile some pain on his old side here. He’s already kicked seven goals in four games against them.</p> <p>We’re backing him to get the first and get the Collingwood army going.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-brisbane-lions-9433220">Dan McStay</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Just when you thought as an opposition coach you could sit on the Daicos boys and you’re on your way to controlling the game… Tom Mitchell comes back from injury.&nbsp;</p> <p>The ball magnet came back with a bang with 29 disposals last week against the Tiges. We’re backing him to be best on with most disposals here and prove he can share the space with Ned Long in the middle.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-brisbane-lions-9433220">Tom Mitchell 30+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood Magpies vs Brisbane Lions Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, August 2, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>7:35pm - AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>