For the first time in the Club’s history the NEAFL and AFL teams will be preparing for finals at the same time.

In years gone when the AFL team broke for their holidays, the NEAFL remained at the Club training and preparing for finals. 2019 NEAFL Coach of the Year Mitch Hahn said it was challenging to keep the players motivated.

“We’ve been in the finals the last two years as a NEAFL group and it’s been a little bit challenging when the seniors have gone out,” he said.

“This year for us all to be in it together is fantastic and there’s a real vibe and energy about what could be achieved.”

The Lions NEAFL side won the minor premiership in 2019 and finished 20 points clear of the second placed Southport Sharks.

They, like the AFL side, will enjoy a week off before hosting a preliminary final at Burpengary on Sunday 8 September at 1pm. They will play either the Sydney Swans or Sydney University who play each other this weekend.

If the Lions meet a state league team in the finals, they will only be able to play 16 listed players, which could mean as many as eight players miss out.

“The rules are the rules and we know those going into the season around the NEAFL,” Hahn said.

“At the moment we probably have 24 to pick from.

“We’ve spoken about that and been open with the players if that occurs. There’s going to be some challenges for the players who don’t get selected.”