The Brisbane Lions kick off their 2023 Smithy’s VFL campaign this weekend when they host the Werribee Tigers at Brighton Homes Arena.
After finishing second on the ladder in 2022, the Lions lost to Southport in week one of the finals before bouncing back to snatch victory against Carlton in the semi-final by 12-points.
The Lions were overrun by a strong Casey outfit in the preliminary final, but it capped off a solid year for the VFL side.
Newly appointed VFL coach Ben Hudson takes the reins this year from outgoing coach Mitch Hahn.
FT | Whose ready for Round 1? Lots to like from today’s performance
— Brisbane Lions VFL (@lions_vfl) March 18, 2023
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“Mitch has been fantastic for this group and for me it is just building on the work that has had already been done,” said Hudson.
“The foundations are already in place for this team, and we will definitely be looking to a strong year in 2023.”
Hudson is optimistic for the season off the back of a solid summer training block.
“Over the summer our VFL-Listed players like Wylie Buzza, Tahj Abberley and Harry Arnold, trained really well” he said.
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— Brisbane Lions VFL (@lions_vfl) March 16, 2023
“Some of the players we’ve brought in such as Lockie Rayner, Kyle Dunkley and Zach Derksen have all been great inclusions too.
“Because we’ve had such a lengthy pre-season the boys have all had opportunity to perform and our VFL-listed players have all put their hand up over the three practice matches and intra-club games.”
The strength across the Lions AFL and VFL groups are an exciting prospect this year, but will present Hudson with the unique challenge of building continuity across a wide range of players.
“Obviously we will have players from the AFL list be a part of our group this year at different times but the focus for us is our defence,” Hudson said.
“On top of that, performing consistently across the whole season is a big focal point.
“We’ve had some good pre-season form but it all starts properly this against Werribee.
“The Tigers have been a very consistent side for a very long time now and they will be raring to go on Saturday to come up to Brisbane and make a statement,” Hudson anticipated.
“As long as we execute our plans and perform to the level I know we can, it will be a good contest.”
Bounce to the season opener showdown is at 11:05am. Entry to Brighton Homes Arena is free.
Can’t make the game? The match will be live streamed via the AFL website and AFL Live Official App.
