The official team lists are in for Brisbane Lions vs Essendon, and they could have a major impact on the betting markets ahead of Sunday’s clash. From returning stars and key omissions to fresh match-up advantages, we’ve analysed the selections to uncover where the biggest winners and losers have emerged following team selection.

Brisbane Lions

Winners

Dayne Zorko
Zorko returns to the side and immediately strengthens Brisbane’s ball movement from half-back. Against an Essendon side that has struggled to defend uncontested possessions and rebound, his disposal and kick-in role make him a strong candidate to rack up possessions.

Hugh McCluggage
McCluggage’s return gives Brisbane another elite ball-winner through the midfield. With Essendon missing several experienced players, the Lions should enjoy a significant edge around stoppages, creating opportunities for McCluggage in disposal, clearance and Brownlow-style markets.

Josh Dunkley & Lachie Neale
The strengthened Brisbane midfield now looks even more dominant. Facing an inexperienced Bombers lineup, both premium midfielders receive a favourable matchup and should benefit from increased inside-50 opportunities.

Losers

James Tunstill
Omitted after making way for Brisbane’s returning stars, Tunstill loses his place in the best 23 as Chris Fagan moves closer to a full-strength lineup.

Darcy Gardiner
Gardiner misses through injury, weakening Brisbane’s defensive depth, although the Lions still enter the match with plenty of experience behind the ball.

Essendon

Winners

Archie Roberts
Returning from injury, Roberts should slot straight back into a prominent defensive role and have the chance to impress against one of the AFL’s best forward lines.

Harry Jones
Jones earns a recall and should see increased opportunity inside 50 with Essendon looking for another marking target alongside Peter Wright. He shapes as one of the Bombers’ better value anytime goalscorer options.

Young Bombers
With Archer Clarke, Max Kondogiannis and Liam Blakiston all coming into the side, several younger players receive another opportunity to cement their place heading into the second half of the season.

Losers

Ben McKay
One of the biggest selection casualties of the round, McKay has again been omitted after struggling for form. His absence leaves Essendon without one of its key defenders against Brisbane’s dangerous tall and small forwards.

Jordan Ridley
Managed for this week’s clash, Ridley’s absence is a significant blow to Essendon’s intercept marking and defensive organisation.

Will Setterfield
Omitted from the side, Setterfield loses his midfield role at a time when Essendon desperately needs experience around the contest.

Early Betting Verdict

Brisbane receives a major boost with the returns of Dayne Zorko and Hugh McCluggage, significantly strengthening a midfield that already shapes as a key advantage over Essendon. The Bombers, meanwhile, lose important defensive experience with Ben McKay omitted and Jordan Ridley unavailable, making Brisbane’s forwards and midfielders even more appealing from a betting perspective.

From a punting angle, the Lions look well placed to control territory and inside 50s, bringing Brisbane head-to-head, the Lions line, Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage disposal markets, and Charlie Cameron or Logan Morris anytime goalscorer markets into sharper focus following the confirmed team selections.