The Brisbane Lions are set with the ultimate opening round challenge this Saturday as they get set to take on the reigning premiers, the West Coast Eagles.
Senior Coach Chris Fagan says his men are ready to embrace the challenge.
"We played them up here in Round 23 last year and had a tired young side," Chris Fagan told media on Tuesday.
"We want to really challenge them when they turn up this week.
"We're not just turning up to make up the numbers, we want to put on a good game and test ourselves against the premiership team."
Tickets for the Round 1 clash against West Coast are available now!
WHERE AND WHEN
The Gabba, Saturday March 23, 7.20pm (AEST).
Click here for Match Day Information.
LAST TIME THEY MET
The Gabba, Round 23, 2018: West Coast 14.14 (98) defeated Brisbane 11.6 (72).
With a week-one home final up for grabs, the Eagles methodically took care of the Lions to finish in second position after the home-and-away matches. Luke Shuey and Jack Redden were the midfield architects while Jack Darling and Jamie Cripps were dangerous forward.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR BRISBANE
After huge strides in 2018 and an off-season full of optimism with some quality signings, the Lions would love to show their fans they're on the path to improvement again this year.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR WEST COAST
Every premier wants to start its flag defence with a win, and this will be no easy task. The Eagles were great on the road in 2018 and want to start that way again.
HOW BRISBANE WINS
On a fast Gabba surface, its best chance of an upset is speed. The Lions have to win their share of ball in tight and then move it quickly by hand, foot or by using their legs.
HOW WEST COAST WINS
The blueprint from the final round last year was to suffocate the Lions. If the Eagles set up well defensively they can generate enough turnovers to punish their younger opponents.
THE STAT
West Coast has won the past eight games in this match-up, not losing since 2012. The average winning margin has been 50 points. Only captain Dayne Zorko, Daniel Rich and Ryan Lester remain on Brisbane's list from that victory. Jack Redden played that day too – now he's an Eagle.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR... Darcy Gardiner
Two months since sustaining his PCL injury at a practice match in the Lions' pre-season Tasmania camp, Gardiner could be set to make his return.
During Tuesday's press conference, Fagan noted that Gardiner has made a full recovery from injury and looks fit to play.
"Darcy has trained fully for the last two weeks," Fagan said.
"It's just unfortunate we haven't played a practice match since then.
"He's available for selection, we just have to determine whether we go into Round 1 with a player who hasn't played a practice match yet."
BIG CALL
Lachie Neale tops 35 disposals in his first game in Brisbane colours.
