Not only will the Lions be looking to arrest their unfavourable recent record against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, but they will also be representing 126 years of combined Club VFL/AFL history.
For Round 13 only, the team will trade in their regular away guernseys for a Fitzroy-inspired heritage-style design in celebration of the Club’s inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony, which is being held in Melbourne that night.
Assistant Coach Adrian Fletcher hopes the significance of the occasion will help spur the young Lions team onto victory against the in-form Bulldogs.
“History in the footy jumper is really important,” Fletcher told LIONS TV as part of the regular Vero Coaches’ Wrap.
“It’s what brings the players together, and it’s really important that our young players understand what this Club’s all about.”
“We want to put up a really good contest on Saturday so that we can enjoy the night (with fans).”
The Bulldogs are fresh from a strong win over Port Adelaide at the same venue, while the Lions will travel to Melbourne for the second time in a row after just a six-day break.
“We showed some good form against the Eagles, and we played a good half against Hawthorn,” Fletcher said.
“It’s just a matter of doing it over four quarters, and hopefully we do it this Saturday.”
