West Coast Eagles vs Brisbane Lions Preview
Brisbane Lions are backed to claim the win, but West Coast Eagles have been given a massive start at home. With a 44.5-point line, I'm backing the Eagles to stay within it.
- Brisbane won by just 13 points the last time the two sides played at Optus Stadium.
- West Coast are 3-5 at Optus Stadium this season, with their past four losses coming by 25 points or less.
- Lachie Neale had 40 disposals last weekend and has recorded 30+ disposals in each of his past three matches against West Coast.
- Jake Waterman has kicked three goals in each of his past six matches at Optus Stadium.
Head to Head Stats
West Coast have lost their past seven matches against Brisbane. Six of those were at the Gabba, including the Round 2 clash in 2025, which was the last time the two sides met.
They led the Lions during the third quarter of that match before going down by 19 points.
Brisbane were 13-point winners at Optus Stadium in Round 18 of 2024, which is the only time the two sides have met at the venue.
West Coast Eagles Form - 16th But Competitive
West Coast sit 16th on the ladder with a 4-13 record but have been far more competitive than their win-loss record suggests.
The Eagles have now lost five consecutive matches, although four of those defeats have been by 25 points or less, including two by just three points or fewer.
Last week's 16-point loss to the Western Bulldogs followed a familiar pattern, with West Coast finishing with more scoring shots (9.16 to 13.8) but failing to capitalise on their opportunities.
The Eagles continue to make Optus Stadium a difficult venue for opposition sides. They are 3-5 at home this season and four of those losses have come by 25 points or less, reinforcing the view that they remain highly competitive on their home deck.
Brisbane Lions Form - Premiership Contenders
Brisbane head west sitting fourth on the ladder with an 11-6 record and have firmly re-established themselves as genuine premiership contenders.
Following a brief mid-season dip, the Lions have now won five consecutive matches, highlighted by last week's dominant 90-point demolition of Essendon, their biggest win of the season.
Lachie Neale produced another masterclass with 40 disposals, while Will Ashcroft continued his outstanding run with 33 disposals and three goals.
Ashcroft has now reached 30 disposals in four consecutive matches, while Kai Lohmann added three goals as Brisbane again showcased its depth in attack.
The Lions have also won their past three away matches and boast a 6-3 record away from the Gabba this season.
West Coast Eagles vs Brisbane Lions Team News
Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has kept faith with the same side that competed strongly last week, naming an unchanged lineup for the visit of the reigning premiers. The Eagles will be hoping continuity can help them challenge one of the competition's benchmark teams.
The Lions have made just one change, with James Tunstill replacing Bruce Reville, who is unavailable for personal reasons. Chris Fagan otherwise sticks with the side that comfortably accounted for Essendon as Brisbane looks to continue its premiership defence.