For the second season in a row, the Brisbane Lions' NEAFL side will start their season with a gruelling trip to Darwin to take on the NT Thunder on April 7. 

The draw for the 2019 NEAFL fixture was released today, with the Lions set to play three curtain raisers at the Gabba, while also taking on Aspley in a huge grudge match on Easter Friday. 

Similar to this year, the Lions will play each AFL affiliated side four times while playing each of the non-affiliated sides once. 

NEAFL Operations Manager, Luke Gatti, said the fixture aims to build a successful 2018 season, which was the most competitive on record.

“Our goal for the 2019 NEAFL fixture was to enable our clubs to engage with their communities and supporters by adding extra Sunday games, and additional matches on Good Friday, Friday night and in Alice Springs,” he said.

“We are pleased our traditional clashes in ANZAC Round between Redland and NT Thunder, and Friday night between Sydney Swans and Sydney University, were able to be maintained.

“We are confident the 2019 fixture will allow for another competitive and exciting season for football in the northern states.”

Round 1 will commence on April 6, coinciding with Round 3 of the AFL Premiership Season, with the Grand Final to be held on September 14 or 15, during Week 2 of the AFL Finals.

All clubs will have three byes, with the NEAFL to retain a three-week finals series featuring the top six teams.

Download a combined Lions AFL and NEAFL draw in PDF.

See the full draw below: