Round 24 of the AFL season brings the home-and-away campaign to a close, and Collingwood and Brisbane will draw the curtain on it under Friday night lights at the MCG. One side has its finals position essentially locked. The other still has plenty riding on the result.

The Pies played out a 92-92 draw with Hawthorn on Saturday, which made history for reasons nobody at either club particularly wanted. It was the first time in AFL history the same two sides have drawn twice in a single season.

Nick Daicos will almost certainly feature in the votes again after a 36-disposal, one-goal night, while Beau McCreery produced his best game of the year with a career-high 22 touches, 12 tackles and a goal.

With the 8v9 Wildcard final all but confirmed, Collingwood has the luxury of freshening up. Expect that to shape how this one looks from the opening bounce.

Brisbane has no such option. The Lions accounted for Gold Coast 95-53 on Saturday, with Will Ashcroft claiming his second Marcus Ashcroft Medal off the back of 31 touches and a goal. A strong win here would leave them well placed to hold third spot heading into September.

The last meeting between these two was not close. Brisbane overpowered the Magpies 119-65 at the Gabba in Round 4, and the Lions arrive at the 'G in far better nick than that scoreline suggests they need to be.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Collingwood Magpies vs Brisbane Lions Round 24 prediction and preview below.

Collingwood Magpies vs Brisbane Lions Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Line-ups will be the whole story here. Collingwood stands likely to rest a few with their Wildcard placing and venue already locked away, which changes the complexion of this contest before a ball is bounced.

That also hands Brisbane a leg-up in the chase to secure a top-four berth and another crack at premiership glory for a third straight season. The Lions have handled their business too, arriving at the MCG having won nine of their last 10.

Then there's the subplot nobody at the Holden Centre wants to think about. Nick Daicos should have the Brownlow all sewn up by the time the counting stops on the Monday night of Grand Final week. But imagine the drama if a Bontempelli or a Dawson is sitting in the rearview mirror and the 'Pies champ has been rested here.

Brisbane wants this. Collingwood can afford not to. That's usually enough.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 25 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Logan Morris has found his range at the right end of the year, banging on four goals in each of the past two weeks.

He'll be keen to flex once more before another trip to the finals, and a Collingwood defence that may be missing a body or two is not the worst place to do it.

Brisbane's forward line has plenty of options, but Morris is the one currently taking the first look inside 50. Back the form.

Betting tip: Logan Morris.

Most Disposals Prediction

Nick Daicos is a chance if he plays. That's the problem. With Collingwood essentially locked into the eighth vs ninth Wildcard, the smart money says he watches this one in a tracksuit.

Brisbane has no such flexibility. They're still playing for a top-four berth on equal points with Hawthorn and Melbourne, which means the midfield goes in at full noise.

Will Ashcroft racked up 31 touches and a goal on his way to a second Marcus Ashcroft Medal last week, and he's been the Lions' most reliable accumulator through the run home.

Betting tip: Will Ashcroft.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Dan McStay 2+ goals, Logan Morris 3+ goals, Brisbane Lions by 1-39, Over total match points, Charlie Cameron 3+ goals.

Odds are subject to change.*

Collingwood Magpies vs Brisbane Lions Predicted Teams

Collingwood Magpies Predicted Team List

FB: Noah Howes, Liam Puncher, Billy Frampton

HB: Isaac Quaynor, Josh Daicos, Dan Houston

C: Jack Crisp, Jordan De Goey, Roan Steele

HF: Beau McCreery, Scott Pendlebury, William Hayes

FF: Tim Membrey, Lachie Schultz, Daniel McStay

FOLL: Darcy Cameron, Edward Allan, Nick Daicos

I/C: Sam Swadling, Ned Long, Angus Anderson, Harvey Harrison, Charlie West

Brisbane Lions Predicted Team List

FB: Noah Answerth, Harris Andrews, Ryan Lester

HB: Darcy Wilmot, Darcy Gardiner, Dayne Zorko

C: Jarrod Berry, Levi Ashcroft, Zac Bailey

HF: Charlie Cameron, Logan Morris, Conor McKenna

FF: Eric Hipwood, Cam Rayner, Kai Lohmann

FOLL: Sam Draper, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale

I/C: Jaspa Fletcher, Oscar Allen, Will Ashcroft, Daniel Annable, Darcy Fort

Collingwood Magpies vs Brisbane Lions Match Details

Date: Friday, August 21, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:40pm AEST

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports