We're heading to the west coast to play The West Coast Eagles for Round 18 at Optus Stadium.

Who: West Coast Eagles vs Brisbane Lions
Where: Optus Stadium, WA
When: Sunday 14th July at 2:40pm (local) 
Gates Open: 12:30pm, check your ticket for your entry gate.

Weekly Notices
→ Come down and watch the Players train at open Captains Run: Saturday 13th July, 2-2:45pm at Optus Stadium. Plan your trip!

Tickets → Buy your tickets here to Round 18.

Kids Go Free → Rounds 16 - 19 all kids aged 14 yrs and under will get free access to 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership matches at Optus Stadium with a valid ticket. Advance ticket bookings via Ticketmaster are essential to secure your child's seat, and tickets are strictly limited in set price categories. Tickets can only be redeemed in conjunction with an adult ticket purchased.  For full terms and conditions, visit Kids Go Free - AFL.com.au

Pre-Game Dining → Make the most of your game day! Arrive early, beat the crowds and dine at the Stadium's own Goodwood Restaurant or City View Café before the game. To book, visit the Stadium Dining page here.

Game Day Rooftop Experience → Don't miss your chance to take your game day experience up a level! Watch the first or third quarter of footy from the highest seats Optus Stadium has to offer. To book, visit the THE OZONE at Optus Stadium.

Public Transport → The Stadium precinct includes a purpose built train and bus station to accommodate large crowds attending events at Optus Stadium. Read more here.
Remember to always plan your trip: Plan ahead →

Changes to Trains → There will be no trains between Armadale/Thornlie and Victoria Park stations. Trains will continue to operate between Perth and Victoria Park stations, including Stadium Station on event days, weekends and public holidays. Trains on the Midland, Airport, Fremantle, Joondalup and Mandurah lines will operate as normal.

Changes to Suburban Event Buses → A new limited stops Route 651 will be introduced between Armadale Station and Optus Stadium. The CBD Shuttle (Route 661) will be permanently withdrawn. For passengers wishing to access the city, extra Red CAT services will service Matagarup Bridge or train services are available from Stadium Station to Perth. Route 652 (Mirrabooka) will move to Sailani Ave (over the Matagarup Bridge). Route 653 (Morley) will move to Sailani Ave (over the Matagarup Bridge). There may be minor stand changes at the Stadium Bus Station. The Club is asking everyone to please plan ahead this season and we thank you for your patience in advance. _{For more details, please visit: Transperth Stadium Routes}

Parking → There is no parking available at Optus Stadium on major event days. Optus Stadium has limited ACROD parking bays available for major events. Registrations for ACROD parking are managed by registering online and are issued by email. Register online here.

Drop Off/Pick Up →  333 Victoria Park Dr, Burswood WA 6100 The primary taxi rank is located off Victoria Park Drive. The taxi rank is adjacent to the Eastern Train Station accessible via the underpass. In addition, an eight-stand pick up and drop off facility is located on Nelson Avenue in East Perth for taxi and other on-demand transport services to use e.g. Uber or Ola. Passengers of these services will be able to access the stadium via a short walk across the Matagarup Bridge. Pick up and drop off for private vehicles is not permitted. 

Boat → The Burswood Jetty provides an alternative transport option to access Optus Stadium and the surrounding precinct, allowing vessels to drop patrons directly to the Stadium Park. The jetty is can be utilised for drop-offs and pick-ups from events, with a 15 minute time limit for all public and commercial users.

Walk or Cycle → There are a range of footpaths to Optus Stadium and over 600 bike racks are located around the Stadium Park. Matagarup Bridge: Walkers and cyclists can venture over the Matagarup Bridge, a pedestrian bridge crossing over the Swan River from East Perth. Burswood Peninsula path: Alternatively, the Burswood Peninsula path provides pedestrian and cycle access to the Stadium Park from all directions.

Watch → Free to air on Channel 7mate or stream on Fox Footy or Kayo.

Remember! Sign up with a Digital Membership to get discounted Kayo! Become a member today →

Co-captains Lachie Neale (31 and nine clearances) and Harris Andrews (20 and 12 intercepts) were again fantastic, while Jarryd Lyons (29) made the most of his return. Brisbane was in control from early in the match, motoring to 45 unanswered points late in the first quarter before Jack Darling opened the scoring for West Coast with a goal. Hugh McCluggage kicked two lovely set shots – a part of his game he's often struggled with – while Gunston added two in a minute as the home team led by 33 points at the first change.

BRISBANE             7.3      10.8     13.14    16.20 (116)
WEST COAST         2.0      2.2      3.3        5.5 (35)

GOALS 
Brisbane: Gunston 6, McCluggage 2, Hipwood 2, Wilmot, Starcevich, Rayner, McInerney, Fletcher, Bailey

BEST 
Brisbane: Neale, Andrews, Gunston, Ashcroft, Rayner, Lyons

Crowd: 24,843 at the Gabba

We’re back in the wild, wild west to take on the West Coast Eagles.

There’s been plenty happening in the lead up to this one but our minds are firmly fixed on our continued surge up the ladder.

Sit back, relax as we jump into this week’s match preview.

Last Time We Met

Last time: Brisbane 16.20 (116) d West Coast 5.5 (35) Round 17, 2023

In our last clash against West Coast, Brisbane delivered a dominant performance. Will Ashcroft shone with 28 disposals and seven clearances, Cam Rayner flourished with increased time on the ball, racking up 21 disposals and a goal, contributing to 11 score involvements. Co-captains Lachie Neale (31 disposals and nine clearances) and Harris Andrews (20 disposals and 12 intercepts) were exceptional as always along with Hugh McCluggage nailing two beautiful goals. Our boys will be looking to repeat history as we go up against a dangerous West Coast outfit on their home turf for the first time in six years.  

Excited About

Bez’s 150^th Game!

Lion’s fans and members from far and wide will be thrilled to see Jarrod Berry run out for his milestone 150th game at Optus Stadium against West Coast. Recently re-signed, Berry is set to stay with the club until 2029, solidifying his role in Brisbane's future. Known for his relentless work ethic and versatile play, Berry has been a pivotal part of the Lions' journey to success. His transition from a promising rookie to a seasoned leader has been inspiring, and his 150th game is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. As our boys gear up for this crucial match, Berry's milestone adds an extra layer of excitement and pride for supporters, who will be eagerly watching as the boys try and bring the win home for Bez!

Match-ups we're keen for

Will Ashcroft vs Harley Reid

Fans are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated match-up between Will Ashcroft and Harley Reid as they face off at AFL level for the first time this weekend. Ashcroft, has hit the ground running since his return in round 16, adding a touch of class through the Lions midfield. On the other side, West Coast's Harley Reid is making waves as one of the league's most promising young talents, with a number of impressive performances this season. This clash promises to be an exciting battle of two rising stars, each eager to make their mark and help secure victory for their respective teams. This match-up is sure to be a highlight of the weekend's action.

Brisbane has leapt into the top four with its sixth straight win, staring down a spirited West Coast team that had been inspired by a tumultuous week of change to win an entertaining clash by 13 points at Optus Stadium.

The Eagles pushed right to the finish in a high-pressure game and looked capable of stealing the match late in a tribute to departed coach Adam Simpson, but the Lions were composed and steadied to win 16.10 (106) to 14.9 (93).

Dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale had plenty to do with that, winning a massive 13 clearances from his 34 disposals and kicking two goals, including a running effort from 50m in the tense final moments to likely secure another three votes.

He had plenty of midfield support as the Lions made clearance dominance the foundation of their game, winning the stoppage battle 49-35 as Hugh McCluggage (32 and seven inside 50s) and Josh Dunkley (26 and a goal) rode shotgun.

Six Lions kicked two goals, including Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood, in an even team performance that included long passages of slick ball movement and polished inside 50 kicking.

West Coast caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield shook up team selection, but also got strong performances from senior midfielders Tim Kelly (29 and seven inside 50s) and Elliot Yeo (24 and six clearances).

The team was without co-captain Liam Duggan for three quarters after the midfielder suffered concussion in a tackle from Lions' forward Charlie Cameron.

The Schofield impact appeared instant as the Eagles jumped into the match with good intensity and took the game with run and handball, kicking the opening goal and putting the Lions on the back foot.

They looked the better team for most of the quarter in all areas except the stoppages, but the Lions took their chances with back-to-back goals, receiving a gift when Harley Reid drifted innocently into the protected area and sent Cameron close to the goal line.

Both teams maintained their pressure in the second quarter and went goal for goal early, with Yeo sparking the Eagles with a 50m set shot and Dunkley countering for the Lions with a clever conversion off the ground.

Brisbane’s clearance dominance continued through the second term as Dunkley, McCluggage and particularly Neale got on top, but it didn't convert to scoreboard dominance as West Coast fought hard to stay in the game and kept the margin to 10 points at half-time.

It became more of a factor in the third term, however, as the Lions built a 22-point buffer through crisp ball-movement and superb inside 50 kicking, with Cam Rayner exploding from congestion multiple times to become a factor in the game with two goals.

The Eagles looked more than capable of a late charge in the fourth quarter and played with spirit and physicality as they rallied behind a loud home crowd, cutting the margin to 12 points with 10 minutes to play and getting on top in most phases.

Young Brisbane forward Kai Lohmann emerged as the player to settle Brisbane, kicking two goals and benefiting from another forward-half 50m penalty as the Lions leapt into the top four with their third straight road win.

Duggan concussed in Cameron tackle

Eagles' co-captain Liam Duggan was driven into the ground by Charlie Cameron in the opening minute of the second quarter, hitting the back of his head and immediately heading to the bench with trainers. The premiership defender appeared dazed as he made his way off and was substituted shortly after with concussion. There will be Match Review interest in the tackle given the impact and the fact that Cameron pinned both arms and used his bodyweight in driving Duggan to ground. A grading of careless, severe impact and high contact would see Cameron sent to the Tribunal to defend a penalty of three or more matches

Standing ovation for Simpson

Departed premiership coach Adam Simpson donned a retro Eagles jacket as he said goodbye to the club's fans pre-game, receiving a standing ovation before addressing the crowd. He thanked the club's fans for their support through a difficult period, but also reflected on the good times, including the 2018 premiership. "The last 12 months you've stuck by the boys, you've stuck by me and you've stuck by the club," he said. "I'll be part of you guys now. I'll be in the stands somewhere, I just need to get a couple of tickets from someone. Thanks for everything. Let's get on with it and go Eagles." Simpson then tossed the coin and watched on from a corporate box that included several of his premiership players, including Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli, and others involved in the successful 2018 season.

WEST COAST           3.2   6.3   9.4   14.9 (93)

BRISBANE                4.4   7.7   12.8   16.10 (106) 

GOALS

West Coast: Allen 3, Waterman 2, Ryan 2, Kelly, Yeo, L.Edwards, Cripps, J.Williams, Hutchinson, Brockman

Brisbane: Cameron 2, Daniher 2, Rayner 2, Hipwood 2, Lohmann 2, Neale 2, Dunkley, Ashcroft, Bailey, Ah Chee

BEST

West Coast: Yeo, Kelly, Ryan, Hough, Allen, Reid

Brisbane: Neale, Dunkley, McCluggage, Daniher, Rayner, McInerney, Lohmann 

INJURIES

West Coast: Duggan (concussion)

Brisbane: Nil 

SUBSTITUTES

West Coast: Tyler Brockman (replaced Liam Duggan in the second quarter)

Brisbane: Bruce Reville (replaced Logan Morris in the fourth quarter)

Crowd: 41,489 at Optus Stadium