Sydney vs Brisbane Lions Preview & Prediction | 2026 AFL | Regular Season | Round 1

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Reigning Premiers Brisbane Lions look to kickstart their 2026 season against Sydney at the SCG. 

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 – discovery+ & Watch AFL / USA – Watch AFL

The prediction

It was the quite the Opening Round performance from Sydney last week, with the Swans turning on the style in a 12-goal third quarter.

After a disappointing 2025 campaign, that win was the perfect start to 2026 for the Swans, who take to the SCG pitch once again on Saturday.

Their visitors, Brisbane Lions, began their bid for an AFL threepeat in disappointing fashion, losing narrowly to Western Bulldogs at the Gabba last week.

To make matters worse, the Lions suffered three suspensions in that defeat, not to mention an injury to Hugh McCluggage, and that could open the door for Sydney to make it back-to-back wins to begin the season.

With the Lions suffering from key absences, particularly in defence, this shapes up to be a good matchup for the hosts.

Sydney vs Brisbane Lions tip: Sydney to win