AFL Archives - Springfield Lakes

Get Up Close with the Brisbane Lions at Free Springfield Training Session

Springfield Lakes families have a rare chance to watch the Brisbane Lions train live at their home ground during the school holidays, with the club opening Brighton Homes Arena to fans for a free morning session.

Gates open at 8.30am on Tuesday 7 July at 16 Eden Station Drive in Springfield Central, just over 100 metres from Springfield Central Station — which the club describes as the closest train station of any similar venue in Australia. For local families, it’s an easy, unticketed morning out with free entry at the gate.

The Lions are one of the competition’s premier clubs, and watching them prepare at their own training ground is a different experience from game day. The session puts fans on the grass level with the players, watching them work through drills and conditioning before the crowd gets access for photos and autographs.

Getting close to the players after the session

The real drawcard for young supporters is what happens after training wraps up. Players come off the track and are available for selfies and autograph signing, giving kids the kind of up-close access that is not available on a match day when the action never stops.

Pull on the maroon, blue and gold and come ready with a phone charged and, if the kids have one, a piece of Lions merchandise to get signed.

The Lions encourage fans heading to Brighton Homes Arena to build in a bit of time before 8.30am, particularly if travelling by car. Limited street parking runs along Australia Avenue, and the P3 carpark sits on the northern side of Eden Station Drive.

The Springfield Park ‘n’ Ride on Springfield Greenbank Arterial is a larger multi-storey option for those who prefer covered parking.

Coming by train or bus

For families who want to skip the parking entirely, Springfield Central Station puts you literally steps from the venue. Train services run regularly from the CBD, and the journey from Roma Street takes around 45 minutes. Bus routes 526, 527 and 528 also service the Springfield Central and Orion Shopping Centre precinct for those coming from nearby suburbs.

For a tailored trip plan, use the Translink Journey Planner and enter Brighton Homes Arena as the destination.

Roar Espresso is open for the visit

The arena’s on-site café, Roar Espresso, will be open throughout the morning. They run an all-day menu with everything from takeaway snacks to sit-down meals, so you can grab a coffee while the kids watch the team on the track

Accessible parking is available at Springfield Central Station and in the Park ‘n’ Ride, with covered accessible spaces on a first-come basis. For full transport and venue information, visit lions.com.au or brightonhomesarena.com.au.

Published 1-July-2026

Morris Runs Riot as Lions Silence Suns and End Losing Streak in QClash

Three straight losses had raised questions about Brisbane’s premiership credentials. Logan Morris helped provide the answer with a career-best seven-goal performance.

The young forward delivered the best game of his AFL career as the Lions snapped their losing streak and tightened their grip on the QClash rivalry, defeating Gold Coast 15.16 (106) to 11.9 (75) at People First Stadium in Round 13 of the 2026 AFL Premiership season.

In a game Brisbane badly needed, Morris was the standout, but he had plenty of company. Lachie Neale was outstanding around the contest, the Lions controlled the stoppages for much of the evening, and the visitors looked far more like the side that lifted last year’s premiership cup than the team that had dropped its previous three matches.

The result handed Brisbane a timely boost heading into the middle of the season and extended a remarkable run of success against their Queensland rivals.

Lions Strike First and Keep Their Foot on the Pedal

The visitors could hardly have asked for a better start.

Jarrod Berry opened the scoring inside the first two minutes before Charlie Cameron and Morris added goals as Brisbane raced to a four-goal lead.

Gold Coast eventually settled through Ben King, but the Lions had already established the shape of the contest. They were winning the ball at the source, forcing turnovers and moving it with far greater purpose than they had shown in recent weeks.

Morris was at the centre of much of the early damage. The key forward kicked two goals in the opening term and looked dangerous whenever the ball entered Brisbane’s attacking arc.

By quarter-time the Lions held a 4.3 to 2.2 advantage and carried clear momentum.

Morris Turns a Strong Night Into a Career Night

Gold Coast made its move early in the second quarter.

King’s second goal narrowed the gap and the Suns enjoyed a period of territorial control as Ned Moyle gave the home side first use around stoppages.

The challenge lasted only briefly.

Morris took over.

He kicked four goals in the second term alone, finding space inside 50 and making the most of his opportunities. By halftime he had five majors beside his name and Brisbane had stretched the margin to 34 points.

While Morris was finishing the work, Neale was driving it. The dual Brownlow medallist repeatedly won contested possessions and clearances, helping Brisbane control both the tempo and field position. Gold Coast stars Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson were restricted to single-digit disposal counts by the main break as Brisbane’s midfield asserted itself.

Suns Keep Coming, But Brisbane Has the Answers

The Suns were far from finished.

King continued to present a threat, Jed Walter hit the scoreboard and Christian Petracca worked his way into the contest as Gold Coast searched for a route back into the match.

There were moments when the margin looked manageable. There were periods when the home crowd sensed a surge.

Each time Brisbane found a response.

Ty Gallop, Conor McKenna and Darcy Fort all contributed important goals, while Morris pushed his tally to six before the final change.

The Lions were not flawless. Their finishing occasionally let them down and Gold Coast remained efficient whenever it generated opportunities. But Brisbane consistently won the critical contests around the ball and prevented the Suns from building sustained momentum.

Midfield Battle Decides the Contest

Much of the damage was done at stoppages.

Brisbane finished with a 31-21 advantage in clearances and generated more than twice as many inside-50 entries from stoppages as Gold Coast. The Lions converted that dominance into a significant scoring advantage from the source that mattered most.

Neale was central to that effort.

The dual Brownlow medallist produced one of his strongest displays of the season and joined an exclusive group of Lions players to record at least 35 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 10 clearances in a QClash.

For a Brisbane side that had been searching for its identity over the previous month, the performance around the contest was perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the night.

A Statement Finish

Gold Coast never stopped attacking.

King finished with four goals, while Ben Long added two in the final quarter as the Suns continued to search for a late rally.

Brisbane never looked rattled.

Its pressure remained high, its midfield continued to win territory and, fittingly, Morris delivered the final flourish. His seventh goal arrived midway through the last term, setting a new career high and capping a performance that will rank among the finest of his young career.

When the final siren sounded, the Lions had ended their losing streak with a 31-point victory and reminded the competition that they remain a dangerous proposition when their best football surfaces.

For a side that entered the night under scrutiny, it was exactly the response Brisbane needed.

Goals

Gold Coast: Ben King 4, Jed Walter 2, Ben Long 2, Matt Rowell, Christian Petracca, Mac Andrew

Brisbane: Logan Morris 7, Charlie Cameron 2, Jarrod Berry, James Tunstill, Sam Draper, Ty Gallop, Conor McKenna, Darcy Fort

Final Score

Brisbane Lions 15.16 (106)
Gold Coast Suns 11.9 (75)

Springfield Lakes Community Rallies Around Football Icon Jonathan Brown After Successful Surgery

Photo Credit: Jonathan Brown/ Instagram

The Springfield Lakes community is celebrating the news that Brisbane Lions legend and local favourite Jonathan Brown is recovering well following a delicate operation to remove a brain tumour.

Unexpected Discovery and Medical Procedure

The health scare began when a routine medical check-up led to the discovery of a shadow on the former captain’s brain. Medical professionals identified the growth as a low-grade tumour, which required prompt surgical intervention to ensure his long-term wellbeing.

Brown entered the hospital for the procedure mid-week and has since confirmed that the operation went according to plan. The triple premiership player is now focusing on his rehabilitation alongside his family, including his wife Kylie.

A Positive Path to Recovery

While a medical event of this gravity is often met with concern, the outlook for the popular sports commentator is bright. Shortly after the surgery, Brown was reportedly in high spirits and already showing signs of his trademark energy while leaving the hospital.

He has expressed his gratitude for the successful outcome and noted that he intends to discuss the details of his health journey with the public once he has had sufficient time to rest. For now, his priority remains his physical health and spending quiet time at home with his loved ones.

Reflecting on a Decorated Career

The news has prompted many fans to look back on Brown’s significant contributions to the sport. Over a fourteen-year career, he became one of the most respected figures in the game, known for his physical style of play and leadership. He played over 250 games and was a key part of the dominant Brisbane side that won three consecutive flags in the early 2000s.

His decision to retire over a decade ago was largely influenced by the need to protect his brain health following several serious on-field injuries, a choice that remains relevant as he navigates this current health challenge.

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Widespread Support from the Football Family

The broader sporting community has moved quickly to offer encouragement to the forty-four-year-old. Fellow commentators and former teammates have shared messages of strength, highlighting Brown’s reputation as one of the most liked and toughest individuals in the industry.

Friends who have spoken with him recently noted that he is already back to his usual self, jokingly annoying his wife and showing the same resilience that defined his time on the footy field. The general consensus among his peers is a wish for a speedy recovery and a quick return to his media duties.

Published Date 30-March-2026

Brisbane Lions and TAFE Queensland Launch Leadership Diploma at Springfield Lakes’ Brighton Homes Arena

The Brisbane Lions and TAFE Queensland have launched a new Diploma of Leadership and Management, giving working professionals across Queensland the opportunity to develop practical leadership skills within the environment of a back-to-back AFL premiership club, with three in-person intensives held at Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Lakes.

The six-month programme commences on Monday 20 April 2026 and delivers the nationally recognised Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) primarily online, with classes held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 9pm. The three Saturday intensives at Brighton Homes Arena, the Brisbane Lions’ home base on Centenary Highway, Springfield Lakes, give students direct access to the leadership culture and people behind one of the AFL’s most successful clubs of recent years.

What the Programme Covers

The diploma is designed for emerging leaders, professionals moving into management roles and individuals wanting to build practical leadership skills in a high-performance environment. Students apply their learning to real-world scenarios drawn from the Brisbane Lions organisation and hear directly from senior leaders within the club across both the online and in-person components of the programme.

Entry requires at least three years of professional working experience, making the qualification suited to working professionals, current and former athletes, and career changers who want to strengthen their leadership capability without stepping away from their careers. The online delivery model also opens the programme to students in regional Queensland and interstate who want to engage with the Brisbane Lions’ leadership environment without relocating to south-east Queensland.

Up to 30 places are eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding, meaning eligible Australian residents may be able to complete the full six-month course at no cost.

The Partnership Behind the Programme

The Brisbane Lions and TAFE Queensland have maintained an education partnership over a number of years, with the new diploma building on that existing relationship and extending it through the Brisbane Lions Institute of Business and Sport. Brisbane Lions CEO Sam Graham said the programme’s online delivery significantly expanded access for Lions members, fans and students with an interest in AFL leadership from across Queensland and Australia.

TAFE Queensland x Brisbane Lions — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions*

Graham noted that the club’s journey to back-to-back AFL premierships had demonstrated how important strong leadership was at every level of an organisation, from the playing group through to administration and the broader club structure, and that programmes like this helped develop the leaders who would shape the future of clubs, businesses and communities.

TAFE Queensland Manager of Academy of Sport Partnerships Don Harley said the programme connected leadership education directly to the real-world experience of building a premiership culture, and that students hearing from the people who constructed that culture at the Brisbane Lions represented a genuinely unique learning opportunity. Harley also highlighted the Fee-Free TAFE funding eligibility as a significant feature, removing financial barriers for eligible participants.

Why This Benefits the Springfield Lakes Community

Brighton Homes Arena is the Brisbane Lions’ home base and sits at the heart of Springfield Lakes, one of south-east Queensland’s fastest-growing communities. The three Saturday intensives held at the arena give local residents and professionals in the Springfield Lakes, Springfield and Greater Springfield area direct access to a nationally accredited qualification at a world-class sporting facility in their own suburb.

For the Springfield Lakes community, the programme represents a concrete example of the broader value that the Brisbane Lions’ presence at Brighton Homes Arena brings beyond match days. Residents with professional experience can now pursue a nationally recognised leadership qualification on-site, connected to the leadership philosophy and culture of a club that has won back-to-back AFL premierships.

How to Enrol

The Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) is delivered by TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275) and commences 20 April 2026. Enrolments and further information, including Fee-Free TAFE eligibility criteria, are available at tafeqld.edu.au. The Brisbane Lions Institute of Business and Sport is accessible through here.

Published 11-March-2026.

Former AFL Player Troy Selwood Remembered by Springfield Lakes Community

Photo Credit: Australian Football League

The Springfield Lakes community is mourning the loss of Troy Selwood, former Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats player and brother of AFL great Joel Selwood, who passed away this week at 40.

A Football Family’s Loss

Selwood’s death has deeply saddened his family, including parents Bryce and Maree and brothers Joel, Scott, and Adam. The Selwood family, originally from Bendigo, is well-known in the AFL world, with all four brothers playing at the highest level.

They shared their heartbreak in a statement, remembering Troy’s bravery, humour, deep thinking, love, and compassion. They noted how he brought joy and light to those around him. They acknowledged his influence on so many, from his school days to his AFL career and work with young Geelong Grammar players.

A Career on and off the Field

Drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2002, Troy Selwood played 75 games for the club between 2005 and 2010. He then transitioned to a successful off-field career, including a decade at the Geelong Cats.

He captained Geelong’s VFL premiership team in 2012 before moving into various roles within the club, including football operations, academy manager, and talent identification manager. He also briefly worked at Collingwood before taking on the role of head of football and sports performance at Geelong Grammar.

Tributes from the AFL Community

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon expressed the league’s condolences to the Selwood family and the wider football community. He noted Selwood’s dedication to AFL talent pathways programs as a club recruiter and at Geelong Grammar, highlighting his focus on young players’ needs. Dillon added that Selwood brought positivity, humour, and care to his work and would be greatly missed.

Geelong CEO Steve Hocking also expressed his sadness at the news, acknowledging Selwood’s impact on many players and staff and remembering his passion for working with young people. Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann also offered condolences, remembering Selwood’s popularity with teammates and his respect across the industry.

Former Lions coach Michael Voss recalled Selwood’s courageous playing style, highlighting a particular incident that exemplified his commitment to the team.

A Day of Sad News for the AFL

Selwood’s passing comes on the same day as the death of Essendon VFL coach Dale Tapping, adding to a difficult time for the Australian football community.

Published Date 04-Feb-2025

State-of-the-Art Brighton Homes Arena Propels Brisbane Lions Into the AFL Grand Final

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

Former Lions skipper Dayne Zorko will play his 250th game in the grand final against Collingwood, the team he debuted against in 2012. His long wait for a grand final ranks 10th in AFL history. Photo Credit: Instagram/Brisbane Lions

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