The 4 certainties for Brisbane versus Melbourne

Back for another year, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.

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 the Round 16 Friday night clash between Brisbane and Melbourne.

Brisbane

Lohmann and Morris to combine for 2+ goals

Watch out for these two players to establish themselves among the competition’s best forwards in 2024.

Kai Lohmann was a first round pick back in 2021, while Logan Morris joined the Lions in last year’s draft with pick 31 and they’ve played massive roles in Brisbane’s resurgence in recent months.

The duo has combined for two goals in every game since Round 8 and more than that figure on four occasions.

Back on the big stage, expect these two to put their names up in lights.

Dunkley for 25+ disposals

With all the attention Lachie Neale’s been receiving in recent weeks, don’t overlook Josh Dunkley’s efforts.

He’s coming off 32 touches against Port Adelaide last week and has had at least 23 disposals in each of his last five games.

Dunkley is primed to perform well against the Demons given their recent midfield woes, having given up 25+ disposals to all of Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel and Jy Simpkin just last week.

Dunkley also racked up 30 touches the last time he played Simon Goodwin’s side.

Seb Mottram

Melbourne

Pickett to kick a goal

Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett has goaled in all but one of his 12 games so far in 2024.

While he hasn’t been a huge goalkicker in 2024, Pickett still has 18.16 from 12 games.

The last time he played Brisbane, Pickett kicked three majors to go with 11 disposals and five tackles.

A return like that again would go a huge way to a backs-to-the-wall Melbourne victory.

Rivers 20+ disposals

Melbourne half-back Trent Rivers has found some nice form in recent weeks.

The clean ball-user has had 20 disposals in four of his last six games and hasn’t dipped below 18 in that patch.

Expect the ball to live in Brisbane’s front half for the majority of Friday night’s game and as a result Rivers should get plenty of it.

He’s averaging 23 over the last three weeks and should hit around that number again.

Lachlan Geleit

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