Searching for their first victory of 2026, Brisbane will take on St Kilda at Marvel Stadium for Round 3 of AFL Season 2026.
It’s been a tough start to the Lions premiership defence, with several key players sidelined through injury and suspension during their two losses to start the season.
However, there’ll be significant reinforcements on Saturday with Zac Bailey, Hugh McCluggage, Logan Morris and Darcy Gardiner all likely to return.
The Saints got their season up and running last week, with a 78-74 win over GWS last Saturday, led by a strong performance from Callum Wilkie in the middle of the field.
Brisbane has had the better of St Kilda for some time, winning all of the last seven head-to-head matchups between the clubs, including a 118-73 domination at Marvel Stadium during Round 7, 2025.
Lachie Neale tore up in that fixture, finishing with 31 disposals, 12 score involvements and three goals.
The 2026 AFL season is shaping up to be a brutal test of depth, and for the reigning champs, the panic stations aren't quite manned yet, but they’re certainly being dusted off.
A loss here would see the Lions at 0-3, a nightmare start for a team hoping for a three-peat.
St Kilda, meanwhile, are looking to prove that their young guns can help to overthrow the Kings of the jungle in Brisbane Lions
With the roof closed at Marvel, expect a fast-paced encounter where skill execution will be king. Without captain Harris Andrews, who will be out to tag Nasiah this week?
Do the Lions still have what it takes?
For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our St Kilda vs Brisbane Lions Round 3 prediction and preview below.
St Kilda vs Brisbane Lions Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Considering daylight saving is not a thing in Queensland, Lions fans will bizarrely start watching the match in the AM hours.
Despite all that, Brisbane copped a bye at maybe the perfect time, allowing some bodies to heal up and getting back Zac Bailey-who has averaged 22 disposals and 3 goals in his past two against the Saints.
Despite the losses in Round 1 and 2, the Saints have looked good so far this season, but they definitely needed that win over GWS last week.
Tom De Koning has been rock-solid, aside from being outcompeted by Max Gawn in the opener. Sam Flanders is what he is, a ball-finding machine, and Jack Silvagni has been a consistent performer down back.
The Saints' growth and eventual success will come from Darcy Wilson, Mattaes Phillipou, Max Hall, Alix Tauru and other young emerging players’ improvement.
Without Harris Andrews, who remains unavailable due to suspension, a St Kilda win would not fully surprise us.
However, we'll side with the champs to get the W out of desperation to avoid an 0-3 start to the year.
Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 21 points.
First Goal Scorer Prediction
Cam Rayner has a knack for finding the sticks when the Lions need a spark, and everyone from Fitzroy to Fortitude Valley knows they need one now.
With the Saints' defence likely focusing heavily on the returning Logan Morris and the height of Oscar Allen, Rayner should find plenty of space to exploit in the forward half. We expect him to hit the ground running and slot the first major to get the premiers’ season started.
Betting tip: Cam Rayner.
Most Disposals Prediction
Mr. Consistent Lachie Neale loves playing under the roof at Marvel Stadium, and his record against the Saints is nothing short of elite.
Even after going through one of the most colourful offseason dramas in recent memory, Neale has barely missed a beat in season 2026.
Most mere mortals couldn’t cope with the pressure, but Lachie’s been locked in and firing on all cylinders, averaging 33.5 disposals so far this season.
Lachie’s contested work should see him take this one out.
Betting tip: Lachie Neale.
*Odds are subject to change.
St Kilda vs Brisbane Lions Predicted Teams
St Kilda Predicted Team List
FB: Anthony Caminiti, Callum Wilkie, Jack Silvagni
HB: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Bradley Hill, Liam Stocker
C: Darcy Wilson, Max Hall, Marcus Windhager
HF: Mitch Owens, Mason Wood, Hugo Garcia
FF: Rowan Marshall, Cooper Sharman, Jack Higgins
FOLL: Tom De Koning, Sam Flanders, Jack Sinclair
I/C: Jack Carroll, Mattaes Phillipou, Alix Tauru, Liam Ryan, Hugh Boxshall
Brisbane Lions Predicted Team List
FB: Ryan Lester, Zane Zakostelsky, Noah Answerth
HB: Dayne Zorko, Jaspa Fletcher, Darcy Wilmot
C: Jarrod Berry, Will Ashcroft, Bruce Reville
HF: Lincoln McCarthy, Oscar Allen, Charlie Cameron
FF: Ty Gallop, Cam Rayner, Kai Lohmann
FOLL: Darcy Fort, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale
I/C: Sam Draper, Levi Ashcroft, Daniel Annable, Zac Bailey, Hugh McCluggage
St Kilda vs Brisbane Lions Match Details
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
First Bounce: 12:35pm AEDT
Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports