AFL round three 2026, scores, results, odds, stats and start time from Marvel Stadium in Melbourne

The Saints called up veteran Dougal Howard to replace injured defenseman Anthony Caminiti, while Dan Butler replaced Hugh Boxshall.

Lyon felt the Lions should have won their opening round game against the Western Bulldogs, who delivered a five-point thriller, and understaffing had made it a challenge for them against Sydney.

“They were pretty good; all their data says they should have beaten the Bulldogs,” Lyon said.

“The Bulldogs are fantastic, they scored five goals, it’s an anomaly so not many teams will do that and Sydney can be really difficult at home and they (Brisbane) have had so many injuries and suspensions.

“Wow, they got Zac Bailey back, they got Logan Morris back, they got Gardiner back, like they were a pretty good team.”

Lyon said young St Kilda duo Hugo Garcia and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera would be busy alongside Brisbane superstars Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale and Will Ashcroft.

“Look, they are really tough in the competition and we have to be strong in the competition, we will have to handle their stoppages.

“They’re going to attack us a little bit, they’re going to challenge Garcia, they’re going to challenge Nas, so it’s a really good opportunity for us to play some really good competitive football.”

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said his players felt “urgency” to post their first win but felt they were on the right track.

Fagan was pleased with his side’s challenge to the Western Bulldogs and hoped they would show more of the football they played late in their defeat against Sydney a fortnight ago after being beaten big in the first quarter.

“We haven’t won a game right now and we’re going to have to play really well,” Fagan said.

“There hasn’t been any message (to the players); they know the urgency of getting this win on the board.

“It’s not all doom and gloom, we just need to build on that (against Sydney in the second half).”

AAP