Brisbane vs Gold Coast AFL Community Shield Preview 2026

James Smith

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Last updated: Wed 25 Feb 2026 10:58

James Smith 25 Feb 2026

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Brisbane vs Gold Coast
Brisbane blends seasoned talent with new depth for a balanced squad.
Gold Coast adds Christian Petracca to strengthen midfield dynamics.
Both teams aim to fine-tune gameplay over immediate results.

Expired

Brisbane vs Gold Coast (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Brisbane vs Gold Coast Preview

Brisbane and Gold Coast meet at Brighton Homes Arena in a final tune up before Opening Round.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast Preview
Brisbane
Brisbane Squad
Gold Coast
Gold Coast Squad

Both clubs are using the Community Series to refine structure, manage workloads and settle key roles. The result is secondary to system execution and continuity.

Brisbane

Brisbane enter 2026 again carrying genuine premiership expectations. The Lions’ core remains intact, but early pre season discussion has centred on availability and squad management, particularly in defence and across half forward.

Cam Rayner’s interrupted preparation and the managed minutes of senior leaders underline the club’s focus on long term readiness rather than early intensity.

For this match, Brisbane field a side that blends established midfield class with developing depth around the ground. Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage continue to set the standard through the middle, while younger defenders and forwards are given extended exposure.

The structure looks slightly different without several senior pillars, making this a valuable rehearsal for depth and role clarity.

Brisbane Squad

B: S.Brain, D.Joyce, D.Gardiner

HB: L.McCarthy, Z.Zakostelsky, D.Wilmot

C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage - C, J.Berry

HF: C.Cameron, L.Lloyd, Z.Bailey

F: K.Lohmann, T.Gallop, L.Morris

Foll: C.Curtin, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

I/C: W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, K.Coleman, S.Marshall, C.McKenna, W.McLachlan, J.Tunstill, B.Reville

Emerg: D.Annable, L.Beecken, R.Torrent, T.Hayes

Notable absentees: Sam Draper, Oscar Allen, Tom Doedee, Dayne Zorko, Cam Rayner, Eric Hipwood, Harris Andrews, Darcy Fort, Ryan Lester, Jack Payne, Noah Answerth

Gold Coast

Gold Coast approach 2026 with heightened expectation and a clearer identity. The Suns have prioritised midfield depth and forward efficiency, and the inclusion of Christian Petracca adds a significant layer of power and experience to their on ball mix.

His presence alongside Noah Anderson and Touk Miller changes the dynamic of their centre square profile and raises the ceiling of the group.

Ben King remains central to their scoring structure, and the balance between contested strength and outside run will shape their campaign.

For this match, the Suns field a strong spine, allowing them to test their preferred structures against a proven finalist. The emphasis is on cohesion and decision making under pressure as they look to take another step forward this season.