10:57PM Sunday, April 13th, 2025

Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs: AFL preview, news and how to watch live

All you need to know in the lead up to the first match of round 16, Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs on Thursday 30 June, including news updates, past history plus when and how to watch live on Kayo.

Jarryd Lyons has been cleared of rib damage leading into Thursday. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos/Getty Images
Jarryd Lyons has been cleared of rib damage leading into Thursday. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos/Getty Images

The AFL marks the end of the financial year with a top-eight clash at the ‘Gabba on Thursday night (30 June) between Brisbane Lions (3rd) and Western Bulldogs (8th).

Watch live here on Kayo and scroll down to catch up on the latest news.

Lions v Bulldogs preview

In a blow for the Western Bulldogs it appears ruckman Tim English will not return on Thursday night, and miss a second straight week, still suffering concussion symptoms. While the Brisbane Lions’ midfielder Jarryd Lyons has been cleared of serious rib damage after an injury to that area suffered in last week’s loss to the Demons.

The MCG defeat was a big missed opportunity for Brisbane, facing a Melbourne side coming off three straight losses, the Lions were hammered by 64 points as the defending premiers showed their teeth.

Dayne Zorko and Zac Bailey are both back for the Lions, but in a significant blow for the Dogs, they lose Caleb Daniel with a knee injury.

Brisbane’s opponents at the Gabba are up and about after consecutive victories over GWS Giants, then Hawthorn, scoring 125 points in both.

Aaron Naughton kicked eight goals across both matches up forward for the Dogs including five at GIANTS Stadium. And just this week Lachie Neale has agreed to a three-year extension which ties him to the Lions until the end of 2026.

Naughton celebrates one of his three goals against Hawthorn last Friday. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.
Naughton celebrates one of his three goals against Hawthorn last Friday. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

What time is Lions v Bulldogs?

The game starts at 7.20pm (AEST), 6.50pm (ACST) and 5.20pm (AWST) on Thursday 30 June.

Where is it being played?

The ‘Gabba, Brisbane.

How do I watch the game?

The game will be broadcast live on Kayo as part of its AFL coverage. Not only can you catch the LIVE fixture and also the replay, but if you miss the action, you can catch up with Kayo Minis and Kayo Bites.

How to watch AFL live here and start your Kayo 14-day free trial today.

What AFL news do I need to know before Thursday night?

CODESports has the latest news and analysis from around the AFL.

INCLUDING big ins and outs for both sides, potential return of a premiership star and young star’s body language slammed.

Sam Fisher charged with drug trafficking
Former AFL star Sam Fisher has been charged with trafficking large amounts of illicit drugs after a police raid.
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    Sam Fisher charged with drug trafficking

    Sam Fisher charged with drug trafficking
    Former AFL star Sam Fisher has been charged with trafficking large amounts of illicit drugs after a police raid.

    History between Lions and Bulldogs

    Head to head since 1997 – when both clubs ceased to be Fitzroy and Footscray becoming the Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs – the Dogs lead narrowly 22 wins to 20.

    Their last meeting was a thrilling one-point semi-final victory at the Gabba on the Bulldogs’ way to the 2021 AFL Grand Final. Jack Macrae was a ball magnet that night picking up 39 disposals and kicking a goal.

    Jack Macrae kicks a pivotal goal in last year’s semi-final win over Brisbane. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
    Jack Macrae kicks a pivotal goal in last year’s semi-final win over Brisbane. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

    Team Lists

    All the ins and outs for Thursday night:

    Brisbane Lions

    B: J.Payne H.Andrews M.Adams

    HB: B.Starcevich D.Rich D.Zorko (c)

    C: J.Berry Z.Bailey H.McCluggage

    HF: C.Rayner E.Hipwood L.McCarthy

    F: D.McStay J.Daniher C.Cameron

    Foll: O.McInerney J.Lyons L.Neale

    Int: C.Ah Chee K.Coleman J.Tunstill N.Answerth

    Emg: J.Prior D.Fort R.Lester R.Mathieson

    In: D.Zorko, Z.Bailey

    Out: M.Robinson (Omitted), T.Berry (Omitted), D.Robertson (Omitted)

    Western Bulldogs

    B: H.Crozier R.Gardner T.O’Brien

    HB: B.Williams A.Keath B.Dale

    C: L.Hunter J.Macrae A.Scott

    HF: J.Johannisen J.Ugle-Hagan T.Liberatore

    F: M.Bontempelli (c) A.Naughton C.Weightman

    Foll: J.Sweet J.Dunkley A.Treloar

    Int: R.West D.Bedendo R.McComb J.Schache

    Emg: S.Darcy B.Khamis L.McNeil R.Garcia

    In: L.Hunter, D.Bedendo

    Out: E.Richards (Injured), C.Daniel (Injured), L.McNeil

    Live score updates

    Keep up to date with the score for when you’re on the move here.

    Where can I see more round 16 AFL previews?

    Carlton v St Kilda

    Essendon v Sydney Swans

    Adelaide Crows v Melbourne

    Geelong Cats v North Melbourne

    Gold Coast Suns v Collingwood

    Richmond v West Coast Eagles

    GWS Giants v Hawthorn

    Fremantle v Port Adelaide

    Where can I read more AFL?

    See the AFL section on CodeSports, or visit the AFL section on your main state news website – Herald Sun / Adelaide Advertiser / Daily Telegraph / Courier Mail