The Brisbane Lions reached their first AFL Grand Final in 19 years less than 12 months after moving their training base to the state-of-the-art Springfield facility at Brighton Homes Arena. The timely move appears to have been the catalyst for the club’s long-awaited return to premiership contention.
Lions’ den at Brighton Homes Arena
Prior to the move, the Gabba’s cricket commitments meant that the Brisbane Lions were unable to use the facilities at their home ground on a consistent basis. As a result, the club was forced to train at various suburban ovals in Coorparoo, Yeronga and Morningside.
The new Springfield base has provided the Lions with a permanent and modern training hub. Players and staff now have continuity in access to equipment, medical and fitness facilities.
Climbing the ladder under Fagan
Under the guidance of coach Chris Fagan, Brisbane have gone from basement dwellers in 2017 to a powerhouse over the past five seasons. While Fagan has moulded a tight-knit group, the club has supplemented the core squad with recruits like Lachie Neale, Joe Daniher and Josh Dunkley.
The culmination of this resurgence is Saturday’s Grand Final clash with the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Springfield reaps rewards
Off the field, the club’s move to Springfield is paying dividends. Lions membership has reached a record of over 52,000, with Springfield residents signing up in droves as the club’s second-largest membership base after Coorparoo.
Former club chairman Bob Sharpless says the move has been a financial game changer. The club is now profitable, with a strong membership wave.
For the Lions faithful, Springfield has proved to be something of a good-luck charm. Regardless of Saturday’s result, the club looks set to remain a roaring success for years to come.
Published 29 September 2023
