Preview Round 12, 2025 - Brisbane Lions vs. Essendon

[3KZ is Football]

When: 7:30pm Thursday, 29 May 2025

Where: Gabba, Brisbane / Yuggera – Toorabul

Form Line:

Brisbane Lions: WWDLW

Essendon: LWWLW

Last Met:

Rd 24, 2024.

Brisbane 11.21.87 def Essendon 10.7.67

Goals: Lohmann 3, Cameron 3, Neale, Morris, Hipwood, Daniher, Bailey

Best: McCluggage, Neale, Lohmann, Ashcroft, Dunkley, Wilmot, Lester


Let’s Set the Mood – Beating Essendon is Fun!














The Game – 3KZ is Football’s Suggested Line Up

Given uncertainty about who will be available, picking the team this week from the sidelines is going to be difficult. Starcevich won’t play and I am not sure whether Coleman or McInerney will be available, so picking the team at this stage is fraught with danger. Given the opportunity to rest them for another week, in the lead up to a tough stretch in the fixture for the Lions, I am going to suggest that we will probably end up going into this game UNCHANGED. After all, our game against the Hawks was rated by Fagan as our best four quarter effort for the year and it is hard to drop players out of a side that has achieved that. That being the case, we should line up something like this:

B: Lester Payne Answerth

HB: Zorko Andrews Wilmot

C: Berry McCluggage Fletcher

HF: Bailey Hipwood Cameron

F: Ah Chee Morris Rayner

Foll: Fort Dunkley Neale

Int: Lohman W Ashcroft L Ashcroft D Gardiner

Sub D. Robertson

While I was initially skeptical about having Darcy Gardiner

27

Darcy Gardiner

Age

29

Ht

192cm

Wt

91kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.6

3star

K

7.4

3star

HB

5.2

4star

M

4.1

4star

T

2.1

4star

G

0.0

1star

D

10.7

3star

K

7.9

3star

HB

2.9

2star

M

3.7

4star

T

2.1

3star

G

0.0

1star

D

10.2

3star

K

6.0

3star

HB

4.2

4star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.8

4star

G

0.0

1star

in the side, I love the look of him on the interchange bench, because he gives us flexibility and can play at either end in case of an injury. I’d love to see Robertson get a bit more of a run this week and hope that he is able to demonstrate his value to the team.

As far as Essendon go, it really doesn’t matter who they select, they are going to get done like a dinner this week. I watched their last game against Richmond and it was possibly the worst game of football I’ve seen for a very long time. Against Richmond, they turned the ball over 76 times during the game, and they appeared to lack all system moving the ball inside 50. Lester, Andrews and Payne would be licking their lips at the prospect of Essendon hitting them on the chest with their appallingly bad attempts and entering their offensive 50. Fort should have an absolute field day against Goldstein and our midfield will be far too strong and importantly too clean. Essendon’s decision making under pressure is highly suspect and if we can continue to bring the tackling pressure that we brought against Hawthorn, Essendon will crack and crack early. Psychologically, I think we really need a big win to build our confidence, and I think that is what we are going to see.

Hopefully Lohmann can continue to improve, and Cameron continues to grow in confidence. Cameron's three consecutive goals in the second quarter last game really cracked the match open and getting him onto the scoresheet early will help his confidence and our chances. Bailey is having his career best year and Ah Chee is showing why he is one of the classiest and most underrated forwards in the game. If there was a Mensa for Footy IQ, Ah Chee would be in it. The same is true for Lester, Fletcher, Zorko, Neale, Berry, McCluggage and Dunkley, to name a few. Footy IQ is so important, and we have elite decision makers on every line.

Then we have the icing on the cake, the irresistible force meeting every moveable object … CAM RAYNER! If he can get going for four quarters this will be a BLOODBATH. Failing that, he might continue to tease, but he will still have a big impact. Last but not least, we have the Ashcroft boys. If ever there was a game to sit back and watch them go to town, this is it.

The Result

LIONS BY LOTS

“If it bleeds we can kill it."

 

[Nunez]

Find me an uncle to push!

 

[Toffee Lion]

If it bleeds we can kill it.

 

[Saucery]

When: 7:30pm Thursday, 29 May 2025

Where: Gabba, Brisbane / Yuggera – Toorabul

Form Line:

Brisbane Lions: WWDLW

Essendon: LWWLW

Last Met:

Rd 24, 2024.

Brisbane 11.21.87 def Essendon 10.7.67

Goals: Lohmann 3, Cameron 3, Neale, Morris, Hipwood, Daniher, Bailey

Best: McCluggage, Neale, Lohmann, Ashcroft, Dunkley, Wilmot, Lester


Let’s Set the Mood – Beating Essendon is Fun!














The Game – 3KZ is Football’s Suggested Line Up

Given uncertainty about who will be available, picking the team this week from the sidelines is going to be difficult. Starcevich won’t play and I am not sure whether Coleman or McInerney will be available, so picking the team at this stage is fraught with danger. Given the opportunity to rest them for another week, in the lead up to a tough stretch in the fixture for the Lions, I am going to suggest that we will probably end up going into this game UNCHANGED. After all, our game against the Hawks was rated by Fagan as our best four quarter effort for the year and it is hard to drop players out of a side that has achieved that. That being the case, we should line up something like this:

B: Lester Payne Answerth

HB: Zorko Andrews Wilmot

C: Berry McCluggage Fletcher

HF: Bailey Hipwood Cameron

F: Ah Chee Morris Rayner

Foll: Fort Dunkley Neale

Int: Lohman W Ashcroft L Ashcroft D Gardiner

Sub D. Robertson

While I was initially skeptical about having Darcy Gardiner in the side, I love the look of him on the interchange bench, because he gives us flexibility and can play at either end in case of an injury. I’d love to see Robertson get a bit more of a run this week and hope that he is able to demonstrate his value to the team.

As far as Essendon go, it really doesn’t matter who they select, they are going to get done like a dinner this week. I watched their last game against Richmond and it was possibly the worst game of football I’ve seen for a very long time. Against Richmond, they turned the ball over 76 times during the game, and they appeared to lack all system moving the ball inside 50. Lester, Andrews and Payne would be licking their lips at the prospect of Essendon hitting them on the chest with their appallingly bad attempts and entering their offensive 50. Fort should have an absolute field day against Goldstein and our midfield will be far too strong and importantly too clean. Essendon’s decision making under pressure is highly suspect and if we can continue to bring the tackling pressure that we brought against Hawthorn, Essendon will crack and crack early. Psychologically, I think we really need a big win to build our confidence, and I think that is what we are going to see.

Hopefully Lohmann can continue to improve, and Cameron continues to grow in confidence. Cameron's three consecutive goals in the second quarter last game really cracked the match open and getting him onto the scoresheet early will help his confidence and our chances. Bailey is having his career best year and Ah Chee is showing why he is one of the classiest and most underrated forwards in the game. If there was a Mensa for Footy IQ, Ah Chee would be in it. The same is true for Lester, Fletcher, Zorko, Neale, Berry, McCluggage and Dunkley, to name a few. Footy IQ is so important, and we have elite decision makers on every line.

Then we have the icing on the cake, the irresistible force meeting every moveable object … CAM RAYNER! If he can get going for four quarters this will be a BLOODBATH. Failing that, he might continue to tease, but he will still have a big impact. Last but not least, we have the Ashcroft boys. If ever there was a game to sit back and watch them go to town, this is it.

The Result

LIONS BY LOTS

Mood set to warp factor 10 Captain!

Raynor to kill, er kick 10.

 

[Section 5]

With 4 games to the bye, will Fagan manage any players v Bombers.
It is not something he does often, so who needs a rest.
Oscar has had a break, but maybe his injury could do with another week

Going through the players V Hawks i don't see anyone crying out for a rest.

Maybe 1st year Levi gets a break as it is a long season for 1st year players especially. Then most likely we play finals.
That could be in the form of being sub this week and also down the track a bit. Or just a week rest.

Injury list out later today, and team announced tomorrow night, so will wait till then for further comments

 

[LoganMorrisFan]

Zorks said Kiddy had knee swelling last week, unlikely he plays I would think

 

[M Malice]

If available the only change I could see is Kiddy in Dev out, unfortunate for Dev but he is the only one who could be omitted barring a player being managed or injured.

Give the Big O another week off at least, Fort doing just fine.

 

[Coastal Lion]

We cannot go into this 1 thinking we are just going to take the chocolates.
Everyone banging on about Goldstein getting smashed by Fort don't underestimate him although getting long in the tooth he has a very high footy IQ and has always played his best footy as a solo ruckman Cadwell will negate somebody and Merret if not hard tagged will have 30 plus he is a quality player...Nick Martin must be respected also along with 2MP
In saying that there defence will be undermanned significantly to the point i would like to see Doodee line up for the Bombers just to get him a run at afl level .
If we rock up like we are going to the Surfers Beer Garden to watch a 3rd gear burnouts and The Chevron Hoars gig there could be an upset on the cards.
Play with the energy and bring the effort from last week this will be about percentage if not like 3 weeks ago against the Roos we could left licking our wounds....If Mitch Brown comes out of retirement and is selected in the msd im scared he had a rich and proud history of kicking bags against us then spudding it up against every other team
Lions by 41 points.

 

[Denno]

Those highlights from the early 2000's just remind me what a bunch of try-hards they were, and are (both players and supporters). Absolutely insufferable.

Faux tough guys, Fletcher being hidden in the backline, their supporters booing every decision (they are the most unwatchable team because of this, as a neutral). I could go on all day........

No mercy - hope we thump them.

And they suffer for another 21 years..............

 

[Nathan Barley]

Zorks said Kiddy had knee swelling last week, unlikely he plays I would think

Would knee swelling suggest it hasn't healed properly?

 

[dlanod]

If it bleeds we can kill it.

I've seen their injury list. There's plenty of evidence that they can indeed bleed.

 

[martinson]

Would knee swelling suggest it hasn't healed properly?

Hard to be specific on what it suggests unless you're treating him but it's possible to have swelling and still be properly healed.

Nonetheless not ideal.

 

[Berrygood]

When: 7:30pm Thursday, 29 May 2025

Where: Gabba, Brisbane / Yuggera – Toorabul

Form Line:

Brisbane Lions: WWDLW

Essendon: LWWLW

Last Met:

Rd 24, 2024.

Brisbane 11.21.87 def Essendon 10.7.67

Goals: Lohmann 3, Cameron 3, Neale, Morris, Hipwood, Daniher, Bailey

Best: McCluggage, Neale, Lohmann, Ashcroft, Dunkley, Wilmot, Lester


Let’s Set the Mood – Beating Essendon is Fun!














The Game – 3KZ is Football’s Suggested Line Up

Given uncertainty about who will be available, picking the team this week from the sidelines is going to be difficult. Starcevich won’t play and I am not sure whether Coleman or McInerney will be available, so picking the team at this stage is fraught with danger. Given the opportunity to rest them for another week, in the lead up to a tough stretch in the fixture for the Lions, I am going to suggest that we will probably end up going into this game UNCHANGED. After all, our game against the Hawks was rated by Fagan as our best four quarter effort for the year and it is hard to drop players out of a side that has achieved that. That being the case, we should line up something like this:

B: Lester Payne Answerth

HB: Zorko Andrews Wilmot

C: Berry McCluggage Fletcher

HF: Bailey Hipwood Cameron

F: Ah Chee Morris Rayner

Foll: Fort Dunkley Neale

Int: Lohman W Ashcroft L Ashcroft D Gardiner

Sub D. Robertson

While I was initially skeptical about having Darcy Gardiner in the side, I love the look of him on the interchange bench, because he gives us flexibility and can play at either end in case of an injury. I’d love to see Robertson get a bit more of a run this week and hope that he is able to demonstrate his value to the team.

As far as Essendon go, it really doesn’t matter who they select, they are going to get done like a dinner this week. I watched their last game against Richmond and it was possibly the worst game of football I’ve seen for a very long time. Against Richmond, they turned the ball over 76 times during the game, and they appeared to lack all system moving the ball inside 50. Lester, Andrews and Payne would be licking their lips at the prospect of Essendon hitting them on the chest with their appallingly bad attempts and entering their offensive 50. Fort should have an absolute field day against Goldstein and our midfield will be far too strong and importantly too clean. Essendon’s decision making under pressure is highly suspect and if we can continue to bring the tackling pressure that we brought against Hawthorn, Essendon will crack and crack early. Psychologically, I think we really need a big win to build our confidence, and I think that is what we are going to see.

Hopefully Lohmann can continue to improve, and Cameron continues to grow in confidence. Cameron's three consecutive goals in the second quarter last game really cracked the match open and getting him onto the scoresheet early will help his confidence and our chances. Bailey is having his career best year and Ah Chee is showing why he is one of the classiest and most underrated forwards in the game. If there was a Mensa for Footy IQ, Ah Chee would be in it. The same is true for Lester, Fletcher, Zorko, Neale, Berry, McCluggage and Dunkley, to name a few. Footy IQ is so important, and we have elite decision makers on every line.

Then we have the icing on the cake, the irresistible force meeting every moveable object … CAM RAYNER! If he can get going for four quarters this will be a BLOODBATH. Failing that, he might continue to tease, but he will still have a big impact. Last but not least, we have the Ashcroft boys. If ever there was a game to sit back and watch them go to town, this is it.

The Result

LIONS BY LOTS

“If it bleeds we can kill it."

From up here at Whale Island View/Mudjimba, near Black Swan Town/Maroochydore, on the Sunshine Coast/Kabi Kabi Country, good review.

 

[irel]

We have a live operation thread going, so expecting Esssendon uncles to take vengeance on us Brisbane bullies.

 

[Perrip]

Lions aiming for goals galore to assist Ronald McDonald House

 

[Section 5]

Zorko mentioned in the interview below we need to do better than the last 5-day turnaround with travel also involved.

However, this time it is a depleted Bombers rather than the Pies.
Still the guys need to be switched on from the start and don't give Essendon a sniff.

Zorko: Whatever the team needs I'm more than happy to accomodate

Dayne Zorko speaks to the media ahead of the Lions Thursday night clash with Essendon.

www.lions.com.au

 

[Johnny Bananas]

If we want to play Gallop before the end of the year, this is the easiest possible introduction to the big time he's going to get. Essendon are picking fans out of the crowd to play key defender, we've already played the bottom three and the run home will be brutal. Now is the time to debut him.

 

[Perrip]

Qscan Injury Report

The Brisbane Lions will decide on Wednesday as to if they will play key duo Oscar McInerney

46

Oscar Mcinerney

Age

30

Ht

205cm

Wt

110kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.1

2star

K

4.1

2star

HB

3.9

3star

CL

1.4

4star

HO

14.3

5star

D

6.9

1star

K

4.1

2star

HB

2.7

2star

CL

1.9

4star

HO

16.4

5star

D

7.6

2star

K

4.0

2star

HB

3.6

3star

CL

0.4

3star

HO

11.2

5star

and Keidean Coleman in Thursday night’s clash with Essendon.

 

[SpecialBruce]

Find me an uncle to push!

Terrance and Phillip have one.

 

[twhowler]

Qscan Injury Report

Good that Kiddy doesn't have some other issue.

Seems logical to just worry about OScar and Kiddy long term. Maybe Kiddy could do with a reduced minutes game in the 2s again before adelaide? 2s are midday on the Friday

Starce only 2 weeks. Sounds like he will get at least 1-2 games in the 2s though. Would love for him to be fit to the cats' small forwards

 

[p4p1]

Would knee swelling suggest it hasn't healed properly?

I'm no expert, though I have had two ACL reconstructions. If it hadn't healed properly they probably wouldn't be playing him.
I did have a quick google though:
Scar Tissue/Arthrofibrosis
Cyclops Lesion
Graft Failure
Overuse

I think we can probably rule out a graft failure. They would have caught it by now I would think.
Scar Tissue/Arthrofibrosis sounds like it is a general term and Cyclops Lesion's are certain type of Arthrofibrosis in a specific area. But I would think that if this was the case that scans he has had would no doubt have picked this up.

I wonder if Kiddy's build could be an issue if overuse is the cause? There isn't a lot of leg muscle there to help the knee cope with the shock when running?

You don't often hear of elite athlete in this day and age struggling with something like this.

 

[Coastal Lion]

Will had some swelling in his recovery also but it was a few weeks b4 his return to afl footy i remember Fagan mentioning he had a minor setback in his recovery then explaining it was a little swelling due to him over doing it with his training loads hoping kiddys swelling is similar and we see him back this week or next.

 

[Coastal Lion]

Starce only 2 weeks. Sounds like he will get at least 1-2 games in the 2s though. Would love for him to be fit to the cats' small forwards.

My imaginary Strac tattoo on my forearm just winked at me

 

[Perrip]

Qscan Injury Report

Interesting, Fish says McInerney had a back injury. Strange the club would decide to play him with one.
AFL Medical Room

Oscar McInerney has overcome a back injury and is available to play

 

[Section 5]

Channel 10 news mentioned Kiddy did not train today.
If correct he won't be named tomorrow.

Brisbane

PLAYER	INJURY	ESTIMATED RETURN
Sam Day	Hamstring	2-3 weeks
Lincoln McCarthy	Knee	TBC
Brandon Ryan	Facial fracture	2-3 weeks
Henry Smith	Foot	5-6 weeks
Brandon Starcevich	Concussion	2 weeks
Updated: May 27, 2025

In the mix​

With a five-day turnaround before facing Essendon on Thursday night, Chris Fagan has a couple of tricky decisions. Oscar McInerney has overcome a back injury and is available to play, but Darcy Fort was excellent in Saturday’s win over Hawthorn. Keidean Coleman had a little knee soreness following his first game back against Melbourne and rested against the Hawks, but the club has also said he is available in its injury report. He'll certainly come under consideration if there's no hiccups on Wednesday. – Michael Whiting



Essendon

PLAYER	INJURY	ESTIMATED RETURN
Nick Bryan	Knee	Season
Nik Cox	Concussion	TBC
Sam Draper	Achilles	Season
Tom Edwards	Knee	Season
Saad El-Hawli	Hamstring	4-6 weeks
Lewis Hayes	Knee	Season
Harrison Jones	Ankle	4-5 weeks
Kyle Langford	Quad	4-6 weeks
Ben McKay	Foot	TBC
Jayden Nguyen	Foot	7 weeks
Zach Reid	Hamstring	4-6 weeks
Jordan Ridley	Hamstring	5 weeks
Updated: May 27, 2025

In the mix​

A worrying injury list grew by four for the Bombers on the weekend as McKay, Reid, Langford and El-Hawli were hurt and will be sidelined. Essendon's tall stocks have taken a massive hit ahead of Thursday night's clash against Brisbane, with the club likely to use multiple picks in Wednesday night's AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft. Pick No.70 in last year's draft, Zak Johnson has been confirmed to make his debut, while Darcy Parish (25 disposals and seven clearances) made his return in the VFL last week. Elijah Tsatas (33 and eight) and Dylan Shiel (22) are other midfield options, although the five-day gap between the Bombers' VFL game and the Lions clash could have an impact. Archer Day-Wicks was held out of the VFL and could return to the senior side. – Dejan Kalinic