A new era at the Brisbane Lions will commence with a 2014 season-opening clash against Premiers Hawthorn in Tasmania and see the return of the Easter Thursday action at the Gabba.
With new Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch at the helm, the Lions’ travel away for Round One, before returning to the Gabba the following week for a home opener against Geelong on March 30.
Following the AFL’s release of the 2014 fixture, Lions’ highlights include:
- Home opener against Geelong (Round 2)
- QClash 7 (Round 3) against Gold Coast to be held at Metricon – the Lions’ will host QClash 8 at the Gabba in Round 18
- A blockbuster Easter Thursday home clash against Richmond in Round 5
- A trip to Wellington in New Zealand to face St Kilda in an ANZAC Day battle in Round 6 – the Lions’ first-ever international Premiership match
- Back-to-back home blockbusters against Sydney and Essendon at the Gabba in Rounds 7 and 8
The Lions will also play six games in Victoria in 2014 against North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Richmond, Melbourne, Collingwood and Geelong.
Lions CEO Malcolm Holmes welcomed the release of the fixture.
“A new era begins in 2014 at the Lions and the fixture should excite our members and fans,” Holmes said.
“A home opener against the Cats, the return of the Easter Thursday blockbuster against Richmond, six Victorian matches and our first ever overseas Premiership match, it’s going to be a big 2014.”
Holmes said the AFL’s task in devising the fixture was always a difficult one but believed the Lions’ 2014 draw delivered a balance of commercial and football needs for the Club.
The Lions’ play grand finalists Fremantle, Geelong, Richmond, North Melbourne and Gold Coast twice, while they travel only once to both Adelaide and Perth.
Lions Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch said: “At first glance the fixture looks quite challenging, with return games against three of last year’s top five teams.”
“But, to be honest, we won’t shy away from the challenge because if we’re going to improve, we need to be able to compete against these top sides.
“I also see it as a real opportunity for our guys to face-off against the reigning Premiers in Round 1 and then Geelong in Round 2. What better way to start the season than by testing yourself against two of the best teams in the competition.
“The other positive from a football perspective is that there are no back-to-back travels, which I know can be quite demanding for the players.”
Every Lions’ match will again be broadcast on 7mate in Brisbane and regional Queensland in 2014.
VIEW THE LIONS' 2014 FIXTURE
VIEW THE FULL 2014 AFL FIXTURE
