A Grand Final rematch, a new opponent and six games in Queensland highlight the Brisbane Lions 2022 NAB AFLW fixture, released by the AFL this morning.

The Lions will begin their Premiership defence on the road, heading west for Round 1 to face the Eagles at Mineral Resources Park in a Sunday evening twilight match-up.

Round 2 will see the Lions play their first of five home games at their new home venue, the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex, when they face Carlton on Saturday January 15.

Pride Round and QClash will coincide once again, with the two Queensland teams coming together at Metricon Stadium in Round 3 for the annual derby.

Round 6 sees the Lions face St Kilda for the first time since they joined the competition in 2020 in a Friday night clash under lights at their home in Melbourne.

Indigenous Round will be held in Round 8, with the Lions heading to Adelaide in a blockbuster Grand Final rematch against the Adelaide Crows at Norwood Oval.

Brisbane Lions AFLW Head Coach Craig Starcevich said that the team is looking forward to another season of strong AFLW competition.

“One of the great things about the AFLW is that you never know what you’re going to get from teams year to year,” Starcevich said.

“The level is always going up as teams evolve and develop. Every game in AFLW is a tough one and this season will be no different.

“Looking at the fixture, it’s great to have six of our ten fixtured games here in Queensland.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to continue to grow the game and play in front of aspiring junior footballers.”

The 2022 season is the first time the competition will feature a ten round home and away season.

The AFL will announce the fixture for Round 10 as part of a broader announcement in coming days.

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Bree Brock Shares 'Why Maroochydore'

From Community Footy interruptions to ground capacity. Bree Brok shares why Maroochydore was chosen as the best venue for 2022.

Earlier this month, the Brisbane Lions announced that the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex will host all Lions AFLW home games for the 2022 season.

The move, in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council, will see the Club embedded in rich Lions heartland with the region boasting the second largest member and fan base in Queensland outside of metro Brisbane.

The Sunshine Coast has a proud reputation as a nursey for Brisbane Lions talent with AFLW Foundation players Shannon Campbell and Sharni Webb hailing from the region, while Belle Dawes, Lily Postlethwaite, Maggie Harmer, Bella Smith and Mikayla Pauga all emerged from the Maroochydore Roos program.

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