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Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions AFL Tips - Ruthless Lions to roar Past fragile Blues in Round 18 opener

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: Wed 09 Jul 2025 17:23

Adam Cusworth 09 Jul 2025

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Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 18 AFL game
The game will be played at Marvel Stadium, with the bounce at 7:30 PM (AEST)
Can the Blues arrest severe form slump?
Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bets

Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions Round 18 AFL Tips

Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions, Round 18 2025 - Expert Prediction

Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions, Round 18 2025 - Expert Prediction
Head to Head
Carlton Blues Form Analysis & Betting Trends
Carlton Blues Team News
Carlton Blues Team List
Brisbane Lions Form Analysis & Betting Trends
2025 Betting Trends
Brisbane Lions Team News
Brisbane Lions Team List

Brisbane will inflict more pain on an out-of-sorts Carlton outfit when the two sides meet to kickstart Round 18.

The Lions sit in 2nd position on the ladder with a win-loss record of 11-5-1 and come off a 28-point win over Port Adelaide at the GABBA last weekend.

In the same round, it was another loss for the Blues that piled more pressure on their coach, Michael Voss. They were no match for the ladder leaders, Collingwood, going down to the Magpies by 56 points.

Charlie Curnow went goal-less again and it is hard to see how the Blues can trouble Brisbane on the scoreboard as they continue to lack the run and carry, as well as the polish when heading inside forward 50.

The Lions will control this one and look to be a solid play to cover the line. Charlie Cameron kicked three goals last weekend and is one to consider for multiple goals, while Will Ashcroft is among a host of Lions midfielders to consider for the 25+

Carlton have lost their past two matches by 50 points or more.
In their past five matches, the Lions top the competition for clearances and are 3rd for disposals.
Charlie Cameron has kicked nine goals from his past four matches against the Blues.
Will Ashcroft has had 25+ disposals in eight of his past 10 matches.

Head to Head

The two sides last met in the 2024 Elimination Final at the GABBA and it was the Lions by 28 points. It took until late in the second quarter for Carlton to score in that match. Brisbane had already piled on 60 points.

Brisbane have won six of the past seven matches between the two sides. Two of those have been at the GABBA. Charlie Cameron has kicked nine goals from his past four matches against the Blues.

Carlton Blues Form Analysis & Betting Trends

Recent Form

Last 5 W/L	Last 5 ATS	Last 5 O/U
2-3	1-4	2-3

Carlton have lost their past three matches. The past two of those have been by 50 points or more, going down to Port Adelaide by 50 in Round 16, prior to their loss to Collingwood last weekend.

Scoring has been a massive issue this season, averaging less than 70 points per game in their last nine matches. They rank 6th for disposals in the past five rounds but are 15th for efficiency and 16th for goals per inside 50.

Charlie Curnow has now gone three games in a row without a goal. Zac Williams kicked three last weekend and has 14 from his past seven. Adam Cerra had 28 disposals last weekend. George Hewett had just 18 but is averaging 27.5 in 2025.

2025 Betting Trends

ATS	Over/Under	1-39	40+
5-11	4-12	4-7	2-3

Carlton Blues Team News

Zac Williams was subbed out with a knee injury against Collingwood and will be assessed at training during the week. The Blues have a host of players on the injury list that won’t be available, including Harry McKay and Sam Walsh. Adam Saad is one that is nearing a return.

Carlton Blues Team List

B: A.Cincotta, J.Weitering, O.Hlllands

HB: L.Cowan, N.Haynes, S.Docherty

C: M.Carroll, P.Cripps (c), Z.Williams

HF: M.McGovern, C.Curnow, L.Fogarty

F: J.Motlop, A.Moir, O.Fantasia

R: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, G.Hewett

I/C: M.Pittonet, F.Young, C.Lord, H.O’Farrell, C.Durdin

EMG: B.Acres, F.Evans, H.Lemmey

In: A.Cincotta, C.Durdin

Out: B.Acres, F.Evans (both omitted)

Brisbane Lions Form Analysis & Betting Trends

Recent Form

Last 5 W/L	Last 5 ATS	Last 5 O/U
3-2	3-2	2-3

Brisbane have won four of their past six matches. Inaccuracy cost them in the five-point loss to Adelaide and their 11-point loss to GWS before rebounding with a 41-point win over Geelong. They had the bye before their win over the Power.

In their past five matches, top the competition for clearances and are 3rd for disposals. Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage and Zac Bailey all had over 25 disposals in the match against Port Adelaide. Will Ashcroft had 23 but has had 25+ in eight of his past 10, hitting the 30+ in five.

Bailey had a night out with five goals against Port Adelaide. Charlie Cameron kicked three. Logan Morris kicked just one major but booted 10 from his two matches prior to that.

2025 Betting Trends

ATS	Over/Under	1-39	40+
7-9	6-10	9-3	2-1

Brisbane Lions Team News

No injuries for Brisbane to come out of the match against Port Adelaide. Keidean Coleman is getting closer to a return from injury. James Tunstill has some solid VFL form but will find it hard to squeeze in.

Brisbane Lions Team List

B: D.Zorko, G.Gardiner, R.Lester

HB: N.Answerth, H.Andrews, B.Starcevich

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

HF: C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, W.Ashcroft

F: C.Rayner, L.Morris, Z.Bailey

R: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale (c)

IC: K.Lohmann, C.Ah Chee, L.Aschcroft, D.Wilmot, O.McInerney

EMG: L.Beecken, T.Gallop, B.Reville

In: O.McInerney

Out: S.Day (personal reasons)

Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions AFL 2025 Round 18 FAQ’s

How to watch Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions AFL 2025 Round 18?

You can watch the Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions AFL 2025 Round 18 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions AFL 2025 Round 18?

To buy tickets to the Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions AFL 2025 Round 18 game check the AFL website or the official Carlton Blues site.

Verdict

Carlton Blues v Brisbane Lions

Brisbane to continue miserable month for Carlton. Ashcroft and Cameron prominent

Brisbane -25.5

Handicap +25.5

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