This mouthwatering fixture pits the two teams who locked horns in the 2002 and 2003 grand finals up against each other.
Brisbane's perfect start to the season was ended by Essendon last week, with the Dons handing Chris Fagan's men a 47-point reality check.
Against a Collingwood side coming off a good win, the Lions will need to lift or risk a similar scoreline here.
With a great recent record at The Gabba, don't be surprised if the home side get back to winning ways, especially if the Pies come in complacent.
Why Lions can win
The back end of last season and then the first 3 rounds of 2019 showed that Brisbane are the real deal, especially when playing at home.
Take away a game against last year's premiers, and the Lions haven't lost a game at The Gabba by more than a goal since Round 14 in 2018.
This campaign, they won both of their home matches against quality opponents West Coast and Port Adelaide.
With Lachie Neale fitting seamlessly into a Brisbane outfit containing one of the league's youngest and most exciting forward lines, the Lions will be confident of notching up win number four.
Why Magpies can win
There's no doubt that the Pies have the better line-up on paper. That will be enough to get them over the line if they turn up.
Travis Varcoe was the key man in Collingwood's Round 4 win over the Bulldogs, with an accomplished display highlighted by 8 score involvements.
But more than the numbers, it's Varcoe's speed and tackle pressure that really makes him an asset, as well as his class when he has the ball in his hands.
Alongside a forward line that boasts the likes of Mason Cox, Jordan De Goey and Jamie Elliot, the Pies have plenty of weapons going forward.
Key AFL Stats
Collingwood have failed to cover the line in 6 of their past 7 games as favourite: Brisbane to cover the +9.5 point line @ $1.90
The Lions have lost 10 of their last 11 Round 5 matches: Magpies to win @ $1.57
Lachie Neale has recorded 40+ disposals in his previous 3 matches: Neale to record 40+ touches @ $3.75
AFL Betting Tip: Brisbane to cover the +9.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: Their recent home form suggests they'll give Collingwood a scare here.
Local rivals will lock horns in what's expected to be a hotly-contested Good Friday match.
North Melbourne are looking to make it two in a row, after they broke through for their first win in 2019 last week.
It won't be easy against an Essendon side who look to have rediscovered their mojo with two straight wins, after a horror start to the season.
And with Joe Daniher declared fully fit, the Kangas will really have their work cut out for them if he lines up here.
Why Kangaroos can win
North finally got off the mark last week with a two-goal victory over the Crows at home.
The margin of victory really should've been a lot more, after the Kangas squandered plenty of chances in front of goal, ending up with goal kicking figures of 9.17.
However a positive sign was Ben Brown's return to form. The big full-forward and cult figure booted four goals after copping flack from Roos icon Wayne Carey in the lead-up to the game.
The attention will be on Brown once again after fresh criticism during the week, claiming he was flopping in search of cheap free kicks.
Expect him to respond with his boot once again.
North Melbourne forward Ben Brown has opted not to respond to allegations of staging from former Saint and Bomber Brendon Goddard. #7AFL#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/aCisJT2L2g
The Dons crushed the Lions last week by 47-points, in what was easily their best performance of the year.
Zach Merrett and David Zaharakis both racked up the touches in the middle of the park, while new recruit Dylan Shiel also had an impressive game.
But it was all about Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. The small forward kicked a career-best 7 goals, in a sign that he's about to take his game to the next level.
Even if Daniher makes his return through the VFL, Tipungwuti and his Essendon teammates proved they can rack up a big score without him.
Key AFL Stats
Ben Brown has kicked 3+ goals in North Melbourne's previous 6 games at Marvel Stadium
The underdog has covered the line in the past 6 meetings between these sides at Marvel Stadium: Roos to cover the +9.5 point line @ $1.90
The Bombers have won the 3rd quarter in their last 4 games at Marvel Stadium: Essendon to win 3rd quarter @ $1.72
AFL Betting Tip: Essendon to cover the -9.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: After a slow start, the Dons have been getting better with each game. A similar improvement would see them blow the Roos away.
West Coast Eagles vs Port Adelaide Power
AFL Odds: Eagles $1.20 (-28.5) / Power $4.20 (+28.5)
Friday's second game sees Port Adelaide make one of the toughest road trips in the league, when they head west to take on the Eagles.
Port will be hoping to respond after they let an understrength Richmond outfit get the better of them at home.
They are known for pulling off upsets, but against the reigning premiers who have won three on the bounce, getting the win here might be beyond them.
Why Eagles can win
West Coast have won not just three straight AFL clashes, but 7 of their previous 8 at Optus Stadium.
Since it opened in early 2018, it has become a fortress, and the foundation that the Eagles will once again look to build their premiership push from.
Speaking of their premiership credentials, Adam Simpson's men have firmed into favouritism in the AFL odds market.
Andrew Gaff has come in and bolstered the side with two accomplished displays in the past fortnight. In the Derby, he was best on ground with 35 disposals.
With Josh Kennedy also booting 3 goals, the Eagles' stars are coming to the fore.
Why Power can win
While Port Adelaide look a far more consistent and settled side this year, they still struggle to get the job done when they start as heavy favourites.
This was the case against in Round 4, where two late Richmond goals consigned the Power to a seven-point loss.
They were far from bad in this performance, and probably deserved to win after dominating the contested possession count.
If they can build off that performance, and just execute better in the key moments, they're in with a genuine chance here.
Especially as they seem to appreciate starting as heavy outsiders in the AFL odds.
Key AFL Stat
West Coast have won 7 of their past 8 Friday night games: Eagles to win @ $1.20
AFL Betting Tip: Port Adelaide to cover the +28.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: This is a huge line for a side who relish the underdog tag.
Apr 18, 2019 07:01 PM
AAP
Key AFL Stats
AFL Betting Tip: Brisbane to cover the +9.5 point line @ $1.90
