The GIANTS will look to take down the reigning premiers in a mouthwatering semi-final rematch at the Gabba.
AFL Round 14
Lions v GIANTS
Saturday, June 14 at 1:20pm
Gabba | Yuggera - Toorabul Country
What It Means For The GIANTS
The GIANTS will be hoping their rollercoaster 2025 season can return to a high point on Saturday as they face the Lions for the first time since Chris Fagan’s side ended the GIANTS’ 2024 season in an epic semi-final at ENGIE Stadium last September.
Sitting seventh on the AFL table at 7-6, the GIANTS continue to show inconsistency from week to week and in games, as they search for their best football at the midway point of the season.
Falling short to the Power last week in Canberra by 16 points, the GIANTS now have a huge opportunity to bounce back with a statement win over the reigning premiers on their home deck.
While facing the Lions at the Gabba is usually one of the most feared trips in football, the GIANTS will enter the Lion’s den with a remarkably rare record at the venue, having beaten Brisbane in six of the last eight meetings at the Gabba, including round 22 last season.
Aiding their mission on Saturday, the GIANTS could be buoyed by the return of emerging star Finn Callaghan (shoulder), while skipper Toby Greene (corked glute) and athletic defender Leek Aleer (ribs) will also be tests to take on the Lions after copping big knocks in the loss to the Power.
The Opposition
The second-placed Lions (9-1-3) will return to the Gabba licking their wounds after a five-point loss to the Crows last week in a clash they let slip following a misfiring final quarter.
Up by 17 points at the final change in wet and slippery conditions at Adelaide Oval, the Lions conceded five straight goals in the final term while kicking 0.8 themselves to fall 8.15 (63) to 10.8 (68).
While they put themselves in a position to win and still played some brilliant football, the loss continued an up and down stretch for the reigning premiers who have registered two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five games ahead of Saturday’s clash with the GIANTS.
Holding a record of 4-2 at home this year, Brisbane will be hoping they can turn the Gabba into a fortress once again as they look to consolidate their spot in the top four.
Brisbane could regain up to three players for Saturday’s game, with first-choice ruck Oscar McInerney (managed), important defender Brandon Starcevich (concussion), and key forward Sam Day (hamstring) all cleared and available for selection this week.
Recent History
The GIANTS have had a strong recent record against the Lions despite falling to Brisbane in devastating fashion the last time the side’s met in last year’s thrilling semi-final.
Down by 44 points halfway through the third term, the Lions roared home with the final six goals of the game to book a spot in a preliminary final with an epic 15.15 (105) to 15.10 (100) victory at ENGIE Stadium.
In the prior clash it was the GIANTS who tasted victory with an 18-point upset win over the Lions at the Gabba in round 22 last year.
As mentioned above, the GIANTS hold a rare strong record against the Lions at the Gabba, with the orange tsunami winning six of the last eight games between the sides at the venue.
Key Match Up: Hampering Hugh
While dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale often gets the plaudits – and rightfully so – his sidekick Hugh McCluggage is proving just as damaging this year and will need to be given close attention on Saturday if the GIANTS are to take down the Lions.
Arguably in the midst of a career-best season as he pushes for his maiden All Australian blazer, McCluggage is averaging 26.8 disposals, 5.8 clearances, 5.6 tackles, 6.1 inside 50s, and 7.4 score involvements a game in 2025.
A driving force in the Lions’ ball movement with his run and carry and his silky sills, the ability of whoever lines up beside McCluggage to limit his influence will be crucial to the GIANTS' chances of victory on Saturday.
With a host of options to go with, the GIANTS could utilise tagger Toby Bedford against McCluggage or decide to go head-to-head with the likes of Josh Kelly or Finn Callaghan if he passes his fitness test.
GIANTS Player To Watch: Brilliant Buckley
Jack Buckley will enter Saturday’s game off the back of a career-best performance and will no doubt be vital to the GIANTS’ chances of taking down the Lions.
Buckley registered a career-high 24 disposals to go along with 11 intercepts and 12 marks against the Power in a brilliant defensive display.
With Sam Taylor (19 disposals, 16 intercepts, and nine marks -including four contested) also producing a starring performance, he and Buckley further pressed their claims as the best key defensive duo in the competition last week.
Now up against a dynamic Brisbane forward line consisting of a generally smaller and more explosive font half, Buckley, and the rest of the GIANTS’ back six, will be crucial to whether the GIANTS can return to the winner’s list with an upset win over the reigning premiers.
In The Mix
The GIANTS could be buoyed by the return of emerging star Finn Callaghan for Saturday’s clash with the Lions, while skipper Toby Greene (corked glute) and athletic defender Leek Aleer (ribs) will both be tests after copping big knocks in the loss to the Power last week.
Meanwhile several GIANTS continue to press their AFL selection claims with strong form in the VFL.
Click here to get a recap of last week’s VFL clash and who could come into AFL consideration against the Lions.
Team Selection
The GIANTS will name their team to take on the Lions at 6:20pm on Thursday via gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report
Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s match here.
Where To Watch
The GIANTS’ clash with the Lions will be shown live and free in NSW and the ACT on Channel 7 and 7plus from 1pm, as well as nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo from 1pm.
