Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for Thursday night’s clash between Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs:
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Hipwood, Daniher and McStay combine for 5+ goals
Brisbane has a dangerous three-pronged attack inside 50 that will challenge a Western Bulldogs side that has struggled to hold key forwards this year.
Alex Keath, Ryan Gardner and Tim O’Brien will be tasked with guarding Eric Hipwood, Joe Daniher and Dan McStay and one way or another they will combine for at least five goals.
Brisbane is the highest scoring side in the AFL, while the Dogs have given up more points than anyone in the top eight bar Collingwood.
Expect a fun contest at the Gabba on Thursday night.
Daniel Rich for 25 disposals
Brisbane defender Daniel Rich has been an accumulator this season and found plenty of ball across half back.
He has only dropped under 25 disposals on five occasions this season and one was due to injury. He has only done so once since Round 8.
Expect the Brisbane defender to easily hit 25 disposals, particularly if he continues to take the club’s kick outs.
Nic Negrepontis
Jack Macrae to get 32+ disposals
Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae is one of the most prolific ball winners in the AFL, averaging 31.93 disposals per game in 2022.
While Macrae often is near the top of the disposal gathering tallies, that proves even truer up against the Lions in recent history.
The last four times the Bulldogs and Lions have met, Macrae has finished the game as the top ball-winner, averaging 39 touches across those outings.
Given his recent form against the Lions, expect Macrae to at least better his average so far in 2022 and make a big impact on Thursday night.
Marcus Bontempelli to kick a goal
Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli is one of the AFL’s best midfielders when it comes to hitting the scoreboard and that’s proven true in 2022.
From 13 games so far, the Bont has kicked 17 goals, kicking at least one goal from each appearance.
With majors coming in his last 15 consecutive games, don’t expect Bontempelli to stop now, particularly given that he’ll spend plenty of time inside 50 at the Gabba.
Lachlan Geleit