Brisbane Lions Archives - Springfield Lakes

Lions vs Kangaroos: AFLW Grand Final Rivals Meet in Season Opener at Brighton Homes Arena

The Brisbane Lions Women are set to kick off their 2024 AFLW season and title defence with a grand final rematch against North Melbourne on Sunday, 1 September. Lions vs Kangaroos kick off 3:05 p.m. at the Brighton Homes Arena.

Read: Who is Gout Gout? Ipswich Grammar Teen Sprinter Takes Internet by Storm

Lions vs Kangaroos

The Lions enter the match with an impressive record against the Kangaroos, having won all five of their previous encounters since North Melbourne joined the competition in 2019.

Despite the flawless record, each game has been a closely fought contest, underscoring the intensity of their rivalry. This perfect record stands out, as the Kangaroos have managed to defeat their sixteen other opponents in their short AFLW history.

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Courtney Hodder, known for her explosive speed and relentless pressure, is set to play her 50th AFLW game, bringing her dynamic play to the Lions’ lineup. Dakota Davidson, who has consistently scored against North Melbourne, will be aiming to add to her tally of five goals in this matchup.

The Lions also welcome back Kate Lutkins, a foundation player and three-time All-Australian, who returns after missing last season due to the birth of her daughter. Lutkins’ last appearance for the Lions was in the 2022 Grand Final.

A new face in the pride

Shanae Davison, who joined the Lions from West Coast after a standout season, is set to make her debut for the Lions. Known for her outside run and precise ball use, Davison has impressed during the preseason and earned her spot in the lineup.

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Coach Craig Starcevich has high expectations for Davison, praising her as a “great runner” with “silky skills,” capable of making an impact across multiple positions, whether at half-back, wing, or half-forward.

Read: L’Oréal Opens First Queensland Warehouse in Ipswich

As the Lions prepare to defend their title, the match against North Melbourne presents an early test of their championship mettle. A victory in this grand final rematch would not only continue their dominance over the Kangaroos but also signal their intent to remain at the top of the AFLW.

Published 31-August-2024

Massive Expansion Urged for Lions’ Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield

Nearly two years after opening its doors, calls are growing to expand the hugely popular Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield to meet overwhelming demand.

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

The $82 million venue has attracted over 316,000 visitors since its November 2022 launch by hosting a mix of sports events, community programs, and corporate functions.

That blockbuster debut has led to increasing calls for the Brisbane Lions to further their vision of creating a prime sporting and recreation hub for the booming western corridor.

Lions CEO Greg Swann said there have been calls to develop the sprawling site with a massive MCG-sized playing field that can be accessed by the community and nearby Hymba Yumba Independent School. Calls have also come in for additional facilities like hardcourts for the club’s wheelchair AFL team and a childcare centre.

Mr Swann said expansion would help address the lack of green space and sporting amenities in the rapidly-growing region. He explained that access to such facilities is a real challenge across Southeast Queensland, so there have been calls for the Lions to provide more community sporting areas and infrastructure in order to solidify their place in the local community.

The potential new playing field would significantly boost recreation opportunities, as families already flock to the arena’s existing oval daily for exercise and sports. They would see kids playing basketball onsite or people running laps.

The arena has also quickly become an events destination, hosting seven AFLW matches along with international sporting delegations from China, Japan, the US, UK, Switzerland and Papua New Guinea in the nearly two years since opening.

Mr Swann said the high attendance in that span, which exceeded their expectations, demonstrates there is pent-up demand for facilities like theirs in Springfield and Ipswich.

Read: Townhouses with Brookwater Golf Course Access Green-Lit in Springfield

With calls intensifying to build on the arena’s runaway success, the Brisbane Lions are facing pressure to ensure their new home’s impact continues growing within the western corridor community.

Published 27-May-2024

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

Deven Robertson Auctions Ripped Guernsey for Jarrod Berry’s Breast Cancer Campaign

Brisbane Lions midfielder Deven Robertson is auctioning off the guernsey that was ripped off his back during a match, with proceeds going to support teammate Jarrod Berry’s breast cancer awareness campaign.

Read: Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield More Practical for Brisbane Lions Amidst Gabba Renovation Plans

During the Lions’ match against Collingwood last month, Robertson’s jersey was torn clean off, leaving the 22-year-old midfielder to play topless for several minutes before receiving a replacement guernsey.

The incident caused his Instagram following to skyrocket from 11,000 to over 89,000, making him Brisbane’s most followed player to date.

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Now Robertson is using his wardrobe malfunction for good, generously donating the tattered jersey during an auction at Brisbane’s Hall of Fame dinner last month. All funds will back Berry’s upcoming marathon to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), an organisation close to his heart.

Berry tragically lost his mother to breast cancer 10 years ago and to honour her memory, he will run 42.2 miles through his hometown on November 11 with his brothers and friends.

Speaking to the media last month, Berry stated that this year’s marathon is less about fundraising and more about honouring his late mother’s legacy. He explained that he, his brothers, and their two closest friends are running the marathon to exemplify virtues like resilience, diligence, and determination that his mother instilled in them.

Berry’s mother battled breast cancer for nearly a decade before passing away. During her chemotherapy and fight against the disease, BCNA provided critical support. In 2018, Berry shaved his head and raised $60,000 for BCNA in tribute to his mother’s ongoing battle. Though she has since passed, Berry and his team aim to celebrate her life and spirit through this year’s marathon.

Read: ‘Go for Gold’ Fund Benefits Springfield Lakes and Springfield Central Schools

Though Robertson’s shirtless stint brought amusement, he flipped his accidental fame into an opportunity to support Berry’s heartfelt effort against the disease that claimed his mom. Robertson’s selfless gesture epitomises the Lions’ spirit of mateship and resilience.

Visit Brisbane Lions’ official auction page to learn more about this cause.

Published 22-September-2023

Brisbane Lions Scores Major Sponsorship Deal With Chevron

Following the move to its new home at the Brighton Arena in Springfield Central, the Brisbane Lions scored a major sponsorship deal with Caltex, the global brand owned by Chevron.

In announcing the partnership, star recruit Josh Dunkley surprised five drivers in January 2023 at Caltex’s new service station at Crestmead by giving away free fuel.

Mr Dunkley said it’s a special feeling to usher in a new era with the team as the major sponsor boards the club. The midfielder, who wears #5, also said he’s looking forward to representing the Lions, Caltex, and all the other partners.

“The boys are working hard this pre-season at our new facility (Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Central) I can’t wait to take the field representing this great Club, Caltex and all of our partners.”

“I am really focused on becoming a big game player for the Lions in 2023 and really add to the great list the Club has put together of experienced and emerging talent.”

In its agreement with the brand, Brisbane Lions will be sporting the Caltex logo on its home guernsey and the back of the Lions’ away guernsey, as well as on its official apparel.

Brisbane Lions Chairman Andrew Wellington said that the deal comes at a “pivotal time for the club as they continue to evolve on and off the field.” On the other hand, Chevron Australia Downstream General Manager Lorne Chambers said they are looking forward to growing with the Lions and upholding an “exciting and successful relationship that brings together two great brands in the Lions and Caltex.”

Published 5 April 2023

Brisbane Lions Now Occupying New Home in Springfield

Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions

After 30 years in the Gabba, the Brisbane Lions has moved into the Brighton Homes Arena, their new $80-million state-of-the-art facility in Springfield.

The team’s new home, located some 28 kilometres southwest of their former turf, is an eight-hectare sports centre that will be shared with the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Football Club.

The Brisbane Lions expect to play around 20 to 25 major events in their Springfield home every year, thrilling 10,000 spectators during the matches.

The Brighton Homes Arena grandstand can comfortably seat 600 spectators in the permanent shade and has access to disabled seating. Broadcasting night matches will be a breeze as the facility has ample lighting.

Brisbane Lions Brighton Sports Arena — Photo Credit: YouTube screengrab

Visitors to the arena will also be able to use the facilities, such as the pool, the gymnasium and the outdoor lawn, for their community events all year round, including non-sports-related activities. The venue will also be ready for the Modern Pentathlon at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Despite the delays and the economic impact brought on by the pandemic, the construction’s completion was delivered on schedule and within the budget. The multi-million investment should also benefit and uplift the club financially.

The Springfield move is the culmination of a plan to create an elite sport and community centre that was first established in 2013 with the Australian Football League, the Ipswich City Council and the Springfield Land Corporation.

Brisbane Lions’ New Home Christened As Brighton Homes Arena

Brisbane Lions’ new home in Springfield is anticipated to open in 2022, and it will go by the name Brighton Homes Arena.

Read: Springfield Lakes Property Market Continues to Surpass Previous Records

The Brighton Homes Arena, which will also be called Springfield Central Stadium will feature a $70-million high-performance training and support centre and an adjoining sport and leisure hub that’s expected to cost $100 million.

The name Brighton Homes Arena will be used for commercial purposes, taken after the Lions’ official partner, Brighton Homes.

brisbane lions new hq — Photo credit: lions.com.au

It will accommodate up to 10,000 spectators for major sports matches and community events. A grandstand, seating over 600 spectators, will include technical infrastructure to support the broadcasting of major events.

Currently undergoing construction, the arena will also play host to the club’s AFL Women’s home matches. It’s expected to become Queensland’s best sports training complex and the first purpose-built arena to showcase women’s football in Australia.

To meet the audience’s expectations in terms of comfort and accessibility, the facility will have pedestrian concourses, seating, shade and catering facilities.

It will be home to the Lions’ Hyundai Help For Kids Academy, community education and meeting spaces, a café and aquatic facilities.

Also part of the project is a new multi-storey car park, located adjacent to the arena, that will provide more than 1,000 car parks for rail commuters on weekdays and for attendees of major arena events.

brighton homes — Photo credit: lions.com.au

“Community sports matches will be played on the main oval as scheduling permits, with infrastructure to support community use to be built underneath the grandstand. The arena will also be suitable to stage non-sporting events including festivals and community gatherings,” the Brisbane Lions announced.

Based on the timeline for the project, works are expected to be complete this September, with the Lions planning to move into their new facility in late 2022.

Construction Ongoing for New Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Central

Did you know that the Brisbane Lions, the reigning AFLW premiers, will have a new home in Springfield Central? Construction has started for $70 million Brighton Homes Arena, opening opportunities for 187 tradies jobs and boosting the economy of Queensland.

Brighton Homes Arena, projected for completion in September 2022, will be a modern stadium that can accommodate over 10,000 spectators and 600 fans in the grandstand. The facilities will also include shaded and disabled seats, as well as other features — such as a gym, pool, childcare centre, and lawn for events — that will make this sports centre an all-year-round community hub.

As the new home of the Brisbane Lions, the arena will have a high-performance training and support centre with specially designed equal features for both the men’s and women’s team.

“It’s fantastic to see the construction team on-site and delivering jobs for tradies,” Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said. “We’ve always wanted to see access to this important sporting infrastructure investment shared with the whole community and that’s what we’ve achieved. It’s an important win for both women’s AFL and our community.”

Funding for Brighton Homes Arena was divided among the State Government ($18 million), the Federal Government ($15 million), the Brisbane Lions and the AFL ($10 million) and the Ipswich City Council ($20 million). Architects from Populous did the design that will be built by Hutchinson.

“We know this complex will inspire the next generation of young girls to chase their sporting goals,” State Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said. “When girls and women have the infrastructure and coaching support they need to be their best, the sky’s the limit.”

“From community to elite football, Queensland is experiencing phenomenal growth in girls and young women playing AFL. Right now, 42 per cent of AFL players in Queensland are female, up by an impressive 331 per cent in just seven years.”

Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann said that the arena will bring a “transformative impact” to the club, the AFL women’s matches and the supporters of this sport in Queensland. On the other hand, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said that the location is perfect as it is beside the train station and the booming eastern suburbs.

Brighton Homes Arena will also be used for various AFLQ community programs and the NEAF.

DA to Build a Football Stadium and Training Facility in Springfield Central Lodged

A development application has been lodged for a Master Area Development Plan that will involve the construction of the $70-million football stadium and training facility in Springfield Central.

The proposal development called the “Reserve Community Arena” will accommodate the Premium Sports Stadium Facility along with training and administration facilities, as well as a range of complementary uses.

The boutique 10,000-seater football stadium, which will serve as the permanent home of the Brisbane Lions and AFLW team, and its supporting facilities will be located at 60 Springfield Greenbank Arterial, 7003 Eden Station Drive and 7001 Centenary Highway, Springfield Central.

To be delivered in two stages the development will include five key precincts:

Entry Plaza and Western Concourse
Lions Training and Administration Facility
Members Standing and Grandstand Spectator Area
Grassed Berm Spectator Area
Complementary Activities

*Photo Credit: Ipswich City Council / pdonline.ipswich.qld.gov.au*

Entry Plaza and Western Concourse

The entry plaza will provide an open space public area interfacing Springfield Town Centre, Orion Springfield Central Shopping Centre, Robelle Domain, Springfield Central Train Station, and the adjacent short term/commuter parking facilities which is currently being developed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads

The entry plaza will link directly into the main oval and viewing areas through the

open ground floor of the training and administration facility and by the Mountain Creek concourse to the Grandstand and Grassed Berm spectator areas.

The Western Concourse is a low-speed shared area for servicing and maintenance vehicles with a dedicated maintenance link provided directly to the main oval.

Footbridges across the Mountain Creek corridor, to serve as additional linkage with the Town Centre North area to the west for the western concourse, may be proposed in the future.

Football Stadium Springfield Central — *Photo Credit: Telstra Corporation Limited / thereservespringfield.com.au*

Lions Training and Administration Facility

The two-storey high indoor field will incorporate ground level transparency and openness to allow public viewing. The remainder of the building to comprise the high performance training facilities and administration functions of the Brisbane Lions club within the eastern portion.

In addition, administration and ancillary functions of the club, catering, members club dining, players lounge, and auditorium and meeting space for community use will be provided within the wertern portion.

Members Standing and Grandstand Spectator Area

The members standing and grandstand spectator areas will comprise an open standing area and a 700-seating-capacity public grandstand over the upper level.

Provided on the upper level behind the tiered seating and overlooking the oval the are coaches and officials area and the radio and television broadcasting facilities. Below the tiered seating are sporting facilities for AFL, community use, and local sports matches with dressing rooms, warm up area, officials areas, and player amenities.

Grassed Berm Spectator Area

The large grassed berm area will be provided in two locations and can be accessed from either end of the grass berms adjoining the Western Grandstand or the eastern pedestrian concourse. This area is where the main digital scoreboard and replay screen will be situated.

Complementary Activities

A separate precinct to house a range of complementary activities to support the Brisbane Lions players and staff, and also available to the broader community, will be provided including child care, a gymnasium, ancillary business, and health facilities which includes medical imaging, sports medicine, and a lap pool.

The development proposal includes two key parking areas with the primary northern car park, accessible from Eden Station Drive, containing 108 car parking space.

Whilst the restricted access eastern parking areas, accessible from Springfield Greenbank Arterial, will accommodate 60 spaces exclusively for staff and club use including the use by emergency and operational vehicles on game days .

The Reserve will be owned by Ipswich City Council and will be leased to the Brisbane Lions Football Club. Minor work has commenced in 2018 and major construction is expected to start in late 2019.

The Reserve will likely have its ribbon-cutting/ball up ceremony in early 2021.

New Brisbane Lions Sportsground Becomes A Step Closer To Reality

Good news! The future seems to becoming brighter for the Brisbane Lions as plans for their new sportsground in Springfield is finally coming to fruition.

Following the Brisbane Lions’ move to Springfield Central, a promised $30 million in funds from state and federal government have been scheduled.

Half of the budget has already been set aside in the State Budget. This secures $15 million making a new sports ground closer to reality.

In May when the Federal Government wrote to the AFL club pledging their support for the project, indicating that it would match $15 million in funding from the State Government, setting the total funding at the present $30 million.

In light of this, ground clearing has already commenced with an expectation that the money will be coming in. The Brisbane Lions expects that the funds will be coming in from the Federal Government this August.

For now, the club is using its own $40 million of funds from its own kitty to get things started. In fact, they have started designing the proposed Arena sports ground in January of this year.

This upcoming project will not just provide athletes a better facility to train. It will also create long-term jobs and help boost sports at the grassroots level.