{"id":745,"date":"2025-07-17T15:52:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T15:52:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/745\/"},"modified":"2025-07-17T15:52:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T15:52:09","slug":"afl-match-preview-r19-v-lions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/745\/","title":{"rendered":"AFL Match preview: R19 v Lions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n Match Preview\n <\/p>\n

\n All you need to know ahead of Friday’s clash at The Gabba.\n <\/p>\n

Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs
Friday 18\u00a0July | 7:40pm AEST
\u2022 Yuggera – Toorabul
Broadcast: Channel 7, Kayo\/Foxtel<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t just witness history. Be part of it:\u202fSign up as a Bulldogs member TODAY.\u202f<\/a>\u202f<\/p>\n

Already a member? After the game, look out for two member-exclusive pieces of content from the coaches. Stay across your email and the Club website to access.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Join the Bulldogs pack at Pirate Life South Melbourne to cheer on the red, white and blue against the Lions in Brisbane! Don\u2019t miss this special event, free for members as part of our centenary celebrations. Registration is required as spots are limited \u2013 secure your spot now<\/a>. <\/p>\n

LAST MEETING<\/p>\n

Round 5, 2025
Western Bulldogs 14.13 (97) def. by Brisbane 18.10 (21)\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Western Bulldogs showed plenty of heart in their Round 5 clash with the Lions in Adelaide, despite allowing the reigning premiers to overrun them late in a physical contest.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Aaron Naughton was a standout up forward, finishing with three goals from eight disposals and six marks. Sam Darcy provided a strong target inside 50, contributing two goals, nine kicks and five clearances in an impressive display.\u00a0Through the middle, Matt Kennedy continued his strong start to his Dogs career with 27 disposals, while Rhylee West and stand-in skipper Tom Liberatore added 24 touches each, bringing their trademark intensity and pressure around the ball.\u00a0<\/p>\n

THE LINE-UP<\/p>\n

WHO TO WATCH<\/p>\n

Ed Richards has quickly transitioned from a promising defender to one of the Bulldogs\u2019 most reliable midfield movers. Since making the move into the midfield last season, Richards has taken his game to another level in 2025. Averaging 21.4 disposals and 3.9 clearances – blending pace, poise and precision through the middle, and proving exactly why he\u2019s one of the Club\u2019s brightest rising midfield stars.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Richards made his presence felt against the Lions in Round 5, collecting 29 disposals and 16 kicks in a standout performance. Now, with another showdown looming against names such as Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage, Friday night shapes as a big-stage test and a golden opportunity for Richards to continue his hot form.<\/p>\n

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY<\/p>\n

Brisbane (12-1-4) is showing all the signs to having its season back on track after edging nearer to its top form while clinching three resounding wins on the trot. The Lions might still have room for improvement but will get a better idea of their form and standing on the run home with five matches still to come against finals contenders as well as the dangerous looking Swans.<\/p>\n

The Western Bulldogs (10-7)\u2019s defeat to Adelaide means they have now lost seven of the eight matches they have played against sides now sitting above them. The Dogs have three more opportunities on the run home to claim a big scalp but need to beat the Lions to stay in touch with the top eight.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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