Josh Dunkley has been influential for Brisbane this term but faces a spell on the sidelines

Following the 2017 AFL wooden spoon ignominy, the Brisbane Lions have undergone a steady rebuild.

Many AFL betting sites have recognised the upward trajectory the Brisbane Lions are on, and they are fully in the mix for AFL glory once again in 2023.

Whilst the form of Collingwood and Port Adelaide has caught the eye of many betting apps, Brisbane look best placed to sustain a challenge this term.

The Brisbane Lions are $6.00 with Bet365 to win the AFL title in 2023.

Dunkley’s Big Move:

A huge part of the success Brisbane have enjoyed this season has been down to new recruits and Josh Dunkley was the most eye-catching acquisition in the off season.

An accomplished midfielder, Dunkley moved to Brisbane from the Bulldogs, and he looks tailor made for his all-action role.

Combining breaking up play with a penchant for joining attacks, Josh Dunkley has been one of the AFL’s stand out performers in 2023.

Josh Dunkley is $80 with PlayUp to win the 2023 AFL Brownlow Medal.

Dunkley’s injury worry:

Brisbane’s stellar form hasn’t been better exemplified than their thumping home win over Richmond last time out.

With Dunkley pulling the strings, the Lions ran out 134-53 winners at the Gabba, registering a real statement win.

However, the win came at a price as Dunkley limped off clutching his calf in the 3rd period, creating concern amongst the Brisbane faithful.

How much footy will Josh Dunkley miss?

The initial silver lining on the cloud for Brisbane fans is that their next fixture is against the wooden spoon favourites West Coast Eagles.

It has been an awful season for the Eagles, and they are $1.25 with BoomBet to be propping up the rest come the end of the campaign.

Missing Josh Dunkley from the team sheet will probably not hurt Brisbane against West Coast and that is reflected in the odds offered by most live betting sites.

Brisbane Lions are $1.02 with TopSport to beat the Eagles this weekend.

However, if Josh Dunkley is out for longer than a week, it could become a serious worry for Brisbane.

Fellow top 4 chasers Melbourne await next, with the likes of Geelong and Gold Coast on the horizon too, making it a crucial period of the campaign for both Josh Dunkley and the Brisbane Lions.