The wait for footy's return has felt like an eternity, but Round 1 is officially here!
We're headed straight into hostile territory, with a home Port Adelaide crowd sure to give us nothing but messages of good luck and warm wishes from beyond the fence on Saturday afternoon.
There's a lot to be excited about, so we've compiled it all and made this your one stop shop for everything important ahead of our Round 1 clash vs Port.
WHAT ARE YOUR MATCH PREDICTIONS?
Last time we met
If playing Port Adelaide in Round 1 feels weirdly familiar, it's because it is...
We last met Port at the Gabba in Round 1 of the 2022 season, with the AFL comparing us on the night to an "old draught horse that finished like a wild brumby" after kicking five goals in the last quarter to run away with the win.
Lions fans may remember Joe Daniher taking an early mark of the year contender right before the half-time siren that lifted the Brisbane faithful out of their seats... and that's all we'll say about that!
Joey went on to kick four goals, Linc McCarthy and Darcy Fort both finished with a pair a piece, while Lachie Neale had another 30+ disposal game.
Be excited about...
With the most majestic hair in the AFL and maturity beyond his years, there's plenty to be excited about when it comes to Will Ashcroft.
'Ashy' as he's known around the Club, will run out for his first AFL game on Saturday night after an impressive pre-season.
When asked if he expected the 18-year-old to be tested by the opposition, Fages humorously suggested it may not work.
"That's all part of AFL footy," he said.
"Will's not the only one they'll come after, but I think what we've seen in the pre-season is that it doesn't work so good luck to them."
While we've sung the praises of Dunkley, Gunston, McKenna and Ashcroft through most of pre-season, Jimmy Tunstill's form has flown under the radar.
In his second year, the West Aussie has earned the call up to Round 1 after impressing in practice games.
With speed to burn and clean skills across both sides of his body, we're excited to see what 'Tunners' can do!
Match-Ups we're keen for
Harris Andrews vs Charlie Dixon
Harris 'Chief' Andrews looks to be back to his All-Australian best if pre-season is anything to go by.
After being announced as Co-Captain alongside Lachie Neale, 'Chief' has led by example on and off the track and will have his hands full against Port's big man, Charlie Dixon.
For the stats heads at home, Dixon averaged 1.3 goals a game in an injury interrupted 2022, while Andrews is coming off the back of an impressive 13 intercept, 23 disposal practice game against Geelong.
Alright that's enough subheadings, we're that bloody excited we can't concentrate anymore! Follow all the action of game day on our socials here.
