Brisbane Lions Archives - Springfield Lakes

Close Enough to Hurt: Lions Overrun After Halftime in 89–44 Loss

For a half, Brisbane had control. On the scoreboard, they didn’t.

That gap told the story.

The Brisbane Lions set the tone early at Brighton Homes Arena, but a run of missed chances — and a five-goal third quarter from Port Melbourne — flipped the game hard, the Boroughs running out 89–44 winners in Round 5 of the 2026 VFL Premiership.

Fast Start, No Damage

Brisbane couldn’t have opened it better.

James Tunstill struck twice inside seven minutes, putting the Lions on the front foot and keeping the ball in their forward half.

But the damage never came.

Coleman missed first. Fullarton couldn’t convert. Mathieson and Sharp added behinds. Even the rushed scores pointed to pressure without polish.

By quarter time, Brisbane had control — but not separation.

Second Quarter Drift

The pattern held.

Deven Robertson snapped truly early in the second to extend the margin, but again the Lions couldn’t build. Fullarton missed again. Coleman added another behind. Reville and Michael both pushed chances wide.

Tunstill’s third late in the half should have given Brisbane breathing room.

Instead, it kept Port Melbourne within reach.

The Shift

Brisbane struck first in the third through Coleman, but the response came fast.

Port Melbourne worked through Abberley, then Weidemann, then Szust, before Signorello added another as the Boroughs built a run through the middle of the quarter.

The Lions found moments — Coleman again, Fullarton finally converting after multiple misses — but they couldn’t stop the flow.

Every time Brisbane scored, Port Melbourne answered.

By three-quarter time, the game had turned.

Chasing Too Late

Mathieson snapped one early in the last and gave Brisbane a brief lift.

It didn’t last.

Briskey responded. Manton extended the margin. Coleman’s third came with the result already slipping away, and O’Sullivan’s late goal only trimmed the final margin.

Port Melbourne didn’t surge late.

They controlled it.

Where It Slipped

Brisbane had early control and enough chances to build a lead.

They didn’t take them.

Port Melbourne stayed close, then built their run through the third quarter — five goals that shifted the game and held.

That was the difference.

Published 26-April-2026

Barossa Vintage or Regional Rebellion? Why the Lions’ ‘Off-Broadway’ Test Still Carries Weight

As the AFL’s Gather Round shifts to the Barossa Valley, the Brisbane Lions find themselves off the main stage. No Adelaide Oval. No big-city backdrop. Instead, Lyndoch.

But the stakes don’t change.

The Lions—back-to-back premiers—enter Round 5 unbeaten in Gather Round history. North Melbourne arrive as one of 2026’s early movers, pushing into the top six and shedding the “easy-beat” label.

This is no longer about whether North can compete. It’s about whether they can sustain it against a team that knows how to win in this setting.

A Record That Still Matters

Brisbane’s Gather Round dominance still frames this matchup. They dismantled North Melbourne in 2023 and 2024 by 75 and 70 points respectively, before that pattern broke with a draw in Hobart last year.

That result matters. It shifted this contest from predictable to competitive. Brisbane still carries the edge—but not the same certainty.

Ins and Outs: What Changes the Game

Brisbane Lions

In: Harris Andrews (suspension), Hugh McCluggage (calf)
Impact: Restores defensive structure and adds midfield polish

North Melbourne

Out: Finn O’Sullivan (fractured jaw)
Impact: Reduces midfield depth and rotation flexibility

Stability Returns at the Right Time

Andrews’ inclusion immediately reshapes Brisbane’s defensive structure. His intercept marking allows the Lions to defend higher and exit cleaner—critical against a pressure-heavy opponent.

Around the ball, Brisbane still leans on Neale, Dunkley and Berry, with McCluggage adding composure. If the Lions win clearance, they don’t just win possession—they control tempo.

The Ashcroft Shift

What’s evolving in Brisbane’s game is how they move the ball.

Will Ashcroft is central to that change, coming off a 36-disposal performance and consistently pushing into elite territory. Levi Ashcroft complements that with balance ahead of the ball, linking phases rather than finishing them.

The shift is subtle but important: Brisbane is moving faster, using uncontested chains rather than grinding purely through stoppage. That’s where they stretch opposition structures.

North Melbourne’s Test Is Different Now

North’s rise under Alastair Clarkson is built on pressure and stoppage control. McKercher, Sheezel and Davies-Uniacke give them genuine drive and creativity.

But this is a different layer. They carry an 18-game losing streak in South Australia, lose midfield depth with O’Sullivan out, and step into a neutral regional setting against a side that thrives in these conditions.

Effort won’t be the issue. Execution will be.

Where It Turns

This game likely breaks at transition. If North controls stoppage, they can stay in the contest. If Brisbane exits cleanly and finds space, they take control quickly.

Brisbane’s ball movement from defensive 50 remains the pressure point—and the moment where this game can open up.

The Verdict

North Melbourne has improved. The gap is real—but smaller.

Brisbane, though, regains structure, carries midfield depth, and brings a system that travels. Even off the main stage, they remain composed in these conditions.

Prediction: Brisbane win.

Published 10-April-2026

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

Lions Hit Early, Sharks Hit Harder: Third-Quarter Blitz Sinks Brisbane

Brisbane didn’t just lose control of this game. They lost it in a 20-minute storm they couldn’t steady. They had it on their terms. Then they lost it in a burst they couldn’t stop.

The Brisbane Lion’s VFL side controlled the early shape of their Round 2 clash at Brighton Homes Arena, but when the Southport Sharks lifted, the response just wasn’t there.

A 10-goal third quarter turned a tight contest into a chase, with the Sharks running out 19.8 (122) to 15.11 (101) winners in the Lions’ opening home-and-away match of the 2026 Smithy’s VFL Premiership season.

Final Score

Brisbane 15.11 (101)
Southport 19.8 (122)

Fast Start, Real Intent

The Lions looked sharp early. Not perfect, but purposeful.

Five first-quarter goals set the platform, with Dylan Smith announcing himself immediately on debut with two majors. Sam Marshall, Jake Fazldeen and Curtis McCarthy added to the pressure, and Brisbane carried a 10-point lead into the first break.

The ball movement had intent. The forward entries weren’t always clean, but they were repeatable. For a quarter, Brisbane dictated terms.

Arm Wrestle Turns

The second term tightened.

Southport adjusted around the contest and started to control territory, forcing Brisbane into a more reactive game. The Lions managed just two goals for the quarter through Charlie Hewitt and Cody Curtain, and what had been early control slipped into a grind.

By half-time, the Sharks had edged in front by two points. Not decisive, but telling.

Marshall kept working through traffic and pressure, finishing with 26 disposals, eight marks and two goals in a performance that held Brisbane in the fight when the game narrowed.

The Quarter That Broke It

Then came the third.

Brisbane briefly reclaimed the lead through Reece Torrent just after the main break, but that was the last time they were in front. What followed was a surge that decided the match.

Southport slammed on 10 of the next 11 goals, owning clearance, territory and scoreboard pressure all at once. The Lions’ structure held in patches, but the volume of entries and repeat contests eventually broke through.

By three-quarter time, the margin had blown out to 43 points. Game, effectively, gone.

Late Push, Too Late

To their credit, Brisbane didn’t fold.

Three quick goals to Tahj Abberley, Curtis McCarthy and Fergus McFadyen gave the Lions a pulse. Marshall added another, and Shadeau Brain’s late goal kept the margin within reach long enough to ask a question.

But Southport had already done enough. One steadying goal in the final term shut the door on any genuine comeback.

2026 VFL Brisbane Lions vs Southport Sharks Match highlights

The Positives That Matter

There was enough here to suggest Brisbane won’t be far off.

McCarthy’s three goals gave a consistent forward target. Brain provided drive from the back half with 16 disposals and five marks, while Charlie Offermans and Torrent worked hard through the middle all day.

Tom Doedee’s return added composure behind the ball, and Koby Evans showed glimpses in his first outing in Lions colours.

The issue wasn’t effort. It was absorption. When Southport lifted, Brisbane couldn’t slow the game enough to reset.

Momentum Swings

Round 2 doesn’t define a season, but it exposes where you’re vulnerable.

At this level, momentum isn’t gradual. It’s violent. And once it turns, you either slow it or you get buried by it.

Brisbane couldn’t find that circuit breaker in the third quarter. That’s the immediate fix.

They now turn to a Good Friday clash against Sandringham. The response will matter more than the result.

Goals

McCarthy 3, Smith 2, Marshall 2, Torrent, McFadyen, Hewitt, Fazldeen, Evans, Curtain, Brain, Abberley

Best

Offermans, Brain, McCarthy, Lloyd, Torrent, Marshall

Published 29-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.

Lions Overrun Suns in Heated Springfield Shootout as MRO Spotlight Looms

It might have been pre-season on paper — it didn’t feel like it.

In a fiery AAMI Community Series clash at Brighton Homes Arena on February 26, the Brisbane Lions shook off an early Gold Coast blitz before exploding late to claim a 19.12 (126) to 15.11 (101) victory in a match that had everything: momentum swings, young guns rising, big names firing — and a couple of incidents that will have the Match Review Officer on alert.

If this was a “dress rehearsal”, Brisbane delivered it with finals-level edge.

Suns Strike First — Lions Strike Harder

Gold Coast came out breathing fire.

Five first-quarter goals stunned the home crowd as Jarrod Witts dominated the ruck early and Christian Petracca powered through stoppages. For a moment, the Suns looked sharper, cleaner, hungrier.

Then Brisbane’s engine room went to work.

Lachie Neale turned the tide with a masterclass in clearance work — 31 disposals and 10 clearances. Zac Bailey injected spark and dare, finishing with 25 touches and two goals, while Josh Dunkley went to the coalface and refused to give ground.

By half-time, the contest had levelled. By three-quarter time, Brisbane had edged ahead. In the final term, they slammed the door shut — six goals to three to run away 25-point winners.

That’s not pre-season complacency. That’s control.

Morris Monsters His Opponent

If there was one Lion who stamped his authority, it was Logan Morris.

Four goals. Relentless leading. Aerial strength. Physical presence.

Morris consistently got the better of Mac Andrew in one-on-one contests, forcing errors and capitalising inside 50. With several key forwards unavailable, he looked every bit a player ready to shoulder responsibility in 2026.

Charlie Cameron buzzed back into action with two goals and trademark defensive pressure, while Lincoln McCarthy and Kai Lohmann added forward-half heat.

Brisbane’s forward line, even undermanned, looked potent.

Young Lions Roar in the Ruck

With Darcy Fort rested and Sam Draper sidelined, Zane Zakostelsky and Cody Curtin were thrown into the deep end against Witts.

Zakostelsky didn’t just survive — he competed. His follow-up work and mobility stood out, particularly through the middle quarters when the Lions began to assert dominance. Curtin showed flashes of athleticism and intensity, underlining the club’s growing depth.

Bruce Reville also caught the eye with 20 composed disposals, continuing to press his case ahead of Opening Round.

Brisbane didn’t just win. It found options.

Late Hits and Nervous Waits

The temperature spiked late.

Gold Coast forward Jed Walter was reported for high contact on Zakostelsky after a late incident, while Jy Farrar’s heavy collision with Darcy Wilmot — collecting the Lion when he wasn’t looking — is likely to draw scrutiny.

It added genuine spite to a contest that had already lifted beyond typical pre-season intensity.

Hugh McCluggage’s night ended early with a corked calf, though the club expects him to be available for Opening Round. Luke Lloyd hobbled off with an ankle concern.

Otherwise, Brisbane escaped largely intact — and with reinforcements to come.

Harris Andrews, Dayne Zorko and Darcy Fort were rested. Cam Rayner trained earlier in the day. Oscar Allen and Ryan Lester continue through concussion protocols.

Suns Show Firepower — But Lions Show Authority

Gold Coast had its highlights. Petracca (24 disposals, nine clearances) looked every bit the midfield upgrade the Suns craved, while Leo Lombard’s three goals showcased emerging class.

But when the pressure rose, Brisbane responded.

After quarter-time, the Lions controlled territory, controlled stoppage, and ultimately controlled the scoreboard.

Pre-season doesn’t hand out premiership points. But it does send messages.

On Thursday night, against the Suns, Brisbane sent one loud and clear.

Message received.

Published 27-Feb-2026

Jade Ellenger Prepares For AFLW Prelim While Building A Nursing Career

Photo Credit: Mater/Facebook

Brisbane Lions defender Jade Ellenger is handling two high pressure careers at once as she trains for a home AFLW preliminary final while working as a theatre nurse at Mater Private Hospital Springfield.

Building A Career In Healthcare

Ellenger is preparing for the finals after the Lions earned a week off following their win over Melbourne. Mater confirmed she joined the theatre team three months earlier, soon after completing a master’s degree in nursing at the University of Queensland at the end of 2024.

Mater Private Hospital Springfield reports that Ellenger works in the theatre recovery unit, supporting patients during difficult moments. Staff describe her as committed, and say her strong approach to football translates into the way she provides patient care.

The hospital sits close to the Lions training base at Brighton Homes Arena, which supports her ability to balance training and nursing shifts. She also lives nearby with four teammates, which helps her maintain a steady routine as the finals approach.

Ready For The Preliminary Final

Ellenger has played with the Brisbane Lions since 2018. She remains an important part of the back line, with reliable performances that include strong averages across the season. Her work helped the side reach the preliminary finals against Carlton.

The team aims to secure another grand final spot after earlier premierships in 2021 and 2023. She was also named in the AFLW All Australian squad, reflecting the strength of her recent form.

Support From Both Sides

Mater leadership states they support her football duties and training needs. They describe her as committed, saying her approach on the field carries into her patient care.

The close distance between her home, the hospital and the training venue supports her ability to handle both roles without long commutes. Her teammates also help her manage the combined workload during a busy period for the club.

Growth At Mater Springfield

Mater confirms its Springfield facility is undergoing a major expansion. A nine storey hospital is expected to begin operations in stages from April. The project will grow the workforce, with around 500 new staff to be recruited across services.

The expansion is part of Mater’s plan to meet community needs in a growing region, with Ellenger joining at a time of significant development within the hospital.

Published 26-November-2025

Brisbane Lions and Melbourne FC Clash in a Festival of Footy Under Brighton Homes Arena Lights

Springfield will come alive on Saturday night as the Brisbane Lions AFLW side welcomes the Melbourne Demons to Brighton Homes Arena for a Round 11 clash that doubles as a Diwali Festival celebration.

With gates opening from 4 pm and bounce at 6.15 pm (AEST), it promises to be a special evening for local fans — a blend of top-flight women’s football and a celebration of culture, colour and community at the Lions’ Springfield base.

Hodder returns to spark the forward line

Livewire small forward Courtney Hodder is back after overcoming quad soreness that sidelined her for last week’s 38-point win over Essendon. She replaces Sophie Peters, who has entered concussion protocols.

Coach Craig Starcevich kept faith with Claudia Wright on the interchange alongside Shanae Davison, Poppy Boltz, Ruby Svarc and Eleanor Hartill, while Dee Heslop, Rania Crozier and Ellie Hampson are listed as emergencies.

Hodder’s speed and pressure have been central to Brisbane’s attacking style. Since joining the Lions she has become one of the league’s most dangerous small forwards, known for her ability to turn a half-chance into a goal. Her return adds bite to an already confident side that has been building late-season momentum.

Demons reinforced as rivalry continues

Melbourne have also made changes, regaining Irish utility Blaithin Mackin after a long stint out with calf and knee injuries, and handing a recall to first-year forward Maggie Mahony. Sinead Goldrick misses with an eye injury and Lily Johnson has been omitted.

Saturday’s meeting marks the 11th chapter in one of AFLW’s oldest rivalries. Brisbane and Melbourne began their journeys together in the inaugural 2017 season, facing off in Round 1 of that year. Across ten contests since, the average margin has been just 13 points — a sign of how little separates them.

The rivalry has produced some defining moments: Melbourne’s preliminary-final win at the MCG in 2022 (S6) to secure a first grand-final berth; and their four-point triumph in the 2022 (S7) Grand Final, which delivered the club’s maiden AFLW premiership.

Since then the Lions have held the upper hand, winning both encounters in 2023 (8.5 53 def 4.4 28) and 2024 (5.3 33 def 2.3 15).

Festival atmosphere at Brighton Homes Arena

This weekend’s match will unfold amid the club’s first-ever Diwali Festival. Brighton Homes Arena will feature food stalls, cultural performances, live entertainment and fireworks in what the club calls “a large-scale cultural celebration integrated with an AFLW match-day experience.”

The initiative is part of the Lions’ push to make their Springfield home a hub for community events. The club has also arranged a Hindi-language broadcast for the game, acknowledging the region’s growing South Asian community.

Fans can enter via Gates 1, 2 and 6 from 4 pm, with on-ground festivities running right up to the first bounce.

What’s at stake

With the regular season winding down, both sides are chasing consistency. For Brisbane, it’s about extending recent form and defending home turf. For Melbourne, it’s a chance to rediscover the intensity that underpinned their premiership campaign and to test themselves against a fellow contender.

Whichever way it falls, Brighton Homes Arena will see two of the league’s most familiar foes write another tight chapter — this time under Springfield’s spring skies and festival lights.

MATCH PREVIEW

Match details

Saturday 25 October 2025 | 6.15 pm (AEST)
Gates open 4 pm (Gates 1, 2 & 6)
Watch live on 7Mate and 7plus, or stream via Foxtel, Kayo and Binge; also available on the AFL and AFLW apps (including a Hindi broadcast for this match).

Published 23-October-2025

Luke Hodge Honoured in AFL Hall of Fame with Ties to Springfield Central

Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions/Facebook

Springfield Central has been highlighted as the Brisbane Lions pay tribute to former player Luke Hodge following his induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Hodge Recognised for Career Spanning Hawthorn to Brisbane

Former AFL player Luke Hodge has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, with the Brisbane Lions acknowledging his contributions during his final seasons based at their Springfield Central facility, Brighton Homes Arena.

Leadership Legacy from Colac to Queensland

Mr Hodge was drafted as Pick 1 in the 2001 AFL Draft and built a 305-game career at Hawthorn before joining Brisbane via the 2017 AFL Trade Period. His tenure with the Hawks included four premierships—three as captain—two Norm Smith Medals, and multiple All-Australian selections.

When he arrived at Brisbane, Mr Hodge was brought in to mentor a developing list under coach Chris Fagan, who had worked alongside him at Hawthorn. Mr Hodge played 41 matches for the Lions and was credited with helping steer the club back into finals for the first time in ten years.

Influence Beyond the Field in Springfield Central

While at the Lions’ current home base in Springfield Central, Mr Hodge’s influence extended beyond game day. The club attributed part of its culture shift and improved public perception to his presence, describing him as instrumental in positioning Brisbane as a “destination club.” His leadership was viewed as a key factor in laying foundations for the team’s later premiership success.

Hall of Fame Induction Reflects Career Milestones

The Hall of Fame honour recognises both Mr Hodge’s on-field performance and football intellect. After initial challenges balancing professionalism and skill early in his career, his shift to the midfield in 2005 marked a turning point. A later transition to half-back enhanced his tactical impact, culminating in accolades that included club best and fairests in 2005 and 2010.

Mr Hodge has stated that team-first values and consistent preparation contributed to his performances in key moments, such as multiple Grand Finals. His inclusion in the Hall was described as “surreal” and a career highpoint.

Published 14-June-2025

Brisbane Lions Looking to Extend Unbeaten Run Hosting Confident Magpies

Photo Credit: Australia Rugby

A 60-point turnaround against the Bulldogs last week has got tongues wagging big time about the reigning AFL champions.

A second-half demolition, with 14 goals kicked and only 5 conceded, has given Chris Fagan’s men a feeling that they are the Houdini of the sport, able to come back no matter how big a hole they dig for themselves. The fact that this was not the first hole they have dug this season that seemed tough to get out of is being ignored, and rightly so. The focus is on “no hole is big enough” for our boys to climb out of.

Certainly, the confidence and resilience the Lions have been building since round 13 of last season, where they were in 13th position and began their assault on the 2024 title, is fantastic to watch.

The victory against the Bulldogs, leaves the Lions unbeaten in 2025, 5-0. The comeback win was led by Eric Hipwood’s 5 goals in the second half, Hugh McCluggage’s 32 disposals and the pressure built in the second half through the dynamism of Lachie Neale(14 contested possessions), Will Ashcroft and McCluggage.

For the Lions, Kai Lohmann will miss the game, his 3rd in a row, with his ankle injury, Brandon Starcevich’s concussion clearance is still pending as is Lincoln McCarthy’s knee.

For the Pies, Jordan De Goey returns after an Achilles tweak and Harry Perryman has been cleared of his ankle problem. Thirty-four-year-old Steele Sidebottom (28 disposals) was at his best last week against the Swans to compliment the ever reliable Nick Daicos (34 disposals, 9 tackles, 9 clearances) and the eye-catching Ned Long(29 disposals, 8 clearances).

Last season in round 3, the Magpies took the win at the Gabba, 72(10.12) to 92(14.8) at a stage when the Lions were still finding their feet. This year’s rendition will prepare the Lions to defend their castle.

Kick-off is at 7.30 p.m. at the Gabba. As always, the Gabba faithful will be worth two goals in lifting the boys when needed. The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo, and Binge.

Published Date 16-April-2025