Brisbane host Sydney at the Gabba to kick off round 16 tonight, marking the end of the bye rounds for the season.

The Lions will be looking to upset the Swans to get their season going tonight if they want a look at the Premiership.

They currently sit eight and have hit a rough patch of form with two wins going into their bye preceded by three losses in a row.

This Brisbane side however have a reputation of making a late season push, with their last two seasons ending with seven wins from their last nine matches and winning the ultimate prize at the end of the postseason.

With Sydney taking the victory in two of their last three meetings, the Lions will be looking to shake things up on the ladder with a win on home turf.

1990 Collingwood Premiership player Mick McGuane joined Sports Breakfast this morning.

“They need to don’t they [McGuane on Brisbane winning], especially when you listen to their coach yesterday at his press conference talking about you can’t win unless you finish top six,” he said.

“I think that’s a really strong message, it tells me that internally they’ve had some strong conversations around where they sit.

“If they don’t get this one right then they’ve got to travel to Geelong next week and take on the Cats at GMHBA which is no easy task.”

The Swans will see the return of some firepower as Errol Gulden makes his return to the side.

The gun midfielder comes straight back into the AFL after having a shoulder reconstruction, only playing two games in the season so far.

“They’ll play him probably on the outside initially, but we know he can play as a high half forward and as a fifth midfielder coming up at the footy.”

“He’s an outstanding player, he’s a leader at the footy club and he trains with enormous urgency and intensity. He would have ticked all the boxes from a physical standpoint.”

Brisbane’s defence has let them down in 2026, and if they want to repeat history and make another late push for the postseason, a victory tonight is crucial.

McGuane is hedging his bets on the home side tonight, noting their ability to score from centre bounce and their clearance profile is better than anyone else in the competition despite sitting in eighth.

“They’re not defending that well, and I think this is a great opportunity to really invest in defence against a team that wants to keep the ball in motion with their forward handball game.”

“I reckon we might see greater defensive intent. I think they can score on the back of that and if they do, I think they can get the chocolates tonight at home, which is always a godsend when you’re playing at the Gabba.”

Round 16 kicks off at 5:30pm AWST tonight.

IMAGE: AFL Photos