Brisbane Lions vs Essendon Preview & Prediction | 2026 AFL | Regular Season | Round 18
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
This one is perhaps the biggest mis-match on paper in Round 18 of the 2026 AFL campaign as the Brisbane Lions take on a poor Essendon side on Sunday.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels
How to watch online: UK – HBO Max & Watch AFL / USA – Watch AFL
The prediction
The defending champions the Brisbane Lions have won ten and lost six of their 16 matches as they begin the round sitting fourth in the table. The Queenslanders produced a 22-point victory over a strong Geelong side last week.
They now face an Essendon side that have struggled throughout the campaign as they sit rock-bottom in the AFL ladder, with one win and 15 defeats. Their abysmal campaign continued last week as they were beaten by St Kilda.
Essendon have struggled badly throughout the campaign and they are expected to again be hammered in this one at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Brisbane Lions vs Essendon tip: Brisbane Lions to win -25.5 points handicap
