After last weeks less than ideal start to the season, Round 1 2.0 kicks off at the Gabba tonight against the Demons. 

With a home crowd behind us, the boys are sure to get a boost in what is set to be one hell of a clash (... sorry we had to).

We welcome back two familiar favourites in Dayne Zorko and Darcy Fort, while our newest recruit, Darragh Joyce will make his Club debut. 

For those unfamiliar with 'Joycey', the 25-year-old is a key defender, standing at 195cm and was formerly at St Kilda before joining us through the SSP earlier this year. 

WHAT ARE YOUR MATCH PREDICTIONS?

Here's everything else you need to know about the game!

Last time we met

Pretty hard to forget the last time we faced Melbourne.

Going into last years semi-final as underdogs, we not only managed to knock over the Dees, but break our infamous MCG hoodoo at the same time! We saw the script, then chose to flip it on its head.

The kind writers at the AFL cinematically described it below:

Trailing by 28 points, Chris Fagan's team were facing a third successive belting at the hands of Melbourne, a 12th consecutive defeat at the MCG, and a fourth straight meek finals exit. The narrative was writing itself.

Only this time, the Lions showed the type of resolve capable of turning cubs into contenders. A remarkable second-half fightback resulted in the most hardened and impressive of 13-point semi-final wins, sending Brisbane into a preliminary final against Geelong and bundling reigning premier Melbourne out in straight sets.

The Lions kicked 12 of the final 17 goals having fallen into their early deficit, with midfield stars Lachie Neale (26 disposals, 10 clearances), Jarrod Berry (26 disposals, eight marks) and Hugh McCluggage (25 disposals, one goal) lifting the side with tough and inspired performances.

You guys know how the story ends, and while it's a new season and we can't rest on our laurels, last years finals win should give us plenty of confidence ahead of tonight.

What Fages said about tonight

Much has been spoken about our Round 1 performance, but Fages told media tonight is all about redemption.

"I've never seen numbers as bad as last week for a long time, nor so many blokes be down in one game," he said.

"In some ways, you're looking for the group to respond, because they always have. 

"Last year we didn't lose two games in a row, we were always able to respond from our losses and that's what we want to do. It's a good test for us.

"It's no good me telling you what I hope we're going to see, it's better off them going out and executing and we can talk about it next week."

Be excited about...

Being back at the Gabba! 

There's no better ground to play footy at than the Gabba. It's as deafening a ground as any when our amazing supporters are up and about and tonight will be no different. 

Our results over the last couple of years have made it a tough place for visiting teams to play footy and there'll be plenty to cheer about in Round 2.

While we can't divulge our pre-game plans (don't want to miss it though, trust us!), we'll have five new faces playing their first home game with the Club and a suite of brand new goal songs for you all to sing along to.

After nearly having a heart attack thinking he had gone away from Country Roads, Charlie Cameron has locked in the iconic Gabba anthem for another year, Josh Dunkley has opted for Wagon Wheel, while Cam Rayner is out to rival Charlie's goal song dominance with Sweet Caroline. 

Let's hope we hear heaps of them tonight! 

Match-ups we're keen for

Gawndy (Gawn & Grundy) vs The Big Fort (McInerney & Fort)

Much has been talked about Melbourne's twin tower ruck duo in Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy, however, Darcy Fort's addition to the side adds another 'bow to our string' as Jarrod Berry famously said.

'Forty' often flies under the radar, but is a mobile ruck who is lethal in front of goals (literally, he's a world record holder). And while Oscar is more than capable of being a one man band in the ruck duties, having an emerging cult hero in Darcy Fort by his side will no doubt provide a challenge for Gawndy. 

Alright we're too nervous to keep typing, you know the drill! Follow all the action of game day on our socials here (we'll start posting around 5pm if you need to set an alarm).