Collingwood vs Brisbane: Lions host Magpies at The Gabba

Introduction

The Collingwood vs Brisbane clash at The Gabba on Thursday 2 April 2026 is one of the early-season fixtures fans are watching closely. With the Lions hosting the Magpies in Round 4, the match carries relevance both for ladder positions and for momentum after the dramatic 2025 finals series. Supporters, casual viewers and neutrals can expect a high-stakes contest given recent meetings between these clubs.

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Event details

The Brisbane Lions v Collingwood Magpies fixture is scheduled to start at 6:30pm (Australia/Brisbane) on 2 April 2026 at The Gabba. This Round 4 encounter is being promoted as a major home crowd event for Brisbane. Tickets for the match are available only via Ticketmaster; organisers have advised supporters to add tickets to their digital wallets before arrival to speed entry.

Venue, ticketing and safety information

The Gabba has provided several important reminders for attendees: leave bags at home where possible to enable faster entry, use designated outside smoking areas (DOSA) provided outside the venue, and note that the event may contain flashing and strobing lights, smoke, pyrotechnics and other special effects. The only authorised ticketing agent for this event is Ticketmaster. Spectators experiencing disruptive or anti-social behaviour are asked to report it to The Gabba Assist Line on 0427 594 931.

Match context and recent form

Recent encounters between these two clubs have been notable. Brisbane produced a stunning win over Collingwood in the 2025 preliminary final, a game highlighted in AFL coverage and extended highlights. In that match the Lions pulled away late, outscoring Collingwood four goals to two in the final term to secure victory. Individual performances from recent seasons underline Brisbane’s depth: one 22-year-old recorded an equal career-high three goals while collecting 40-plus disposals for the ninth time in 89 games, and a 24-year-old returned to form with 23 disposals and three goals after limited game time earlier in his comeback. The name Bailey also appears in match reports for a comeback contribution late in a game, combining 11 second-half disposals and a goal to help extend a lead into the final quarter.

Conclusion

For fans planning to attend Collingwood vs Brisbane at The Gabba, expect a passionate atmosphere and to follow venue guidance on tickets and safety. Given Brisbane’s convincing preliminary final performance in 2025 and the individual form noted above, the matchup promises to be competitive and influential for early-season standings. Supporters should secure tickets through Ticketmaster, add them to a digital wallet, and arrive prepared for special effects and venue rules.