This weekend is the AFL’s Rivalry Round and statistically, the Vodafone Brisbane Lions have no recent rival tougher than Sydney.
The Lions are scheduled play the Swans in this official ‘grudge match’ each year as both clubs share a unique history…
* The Brisbane Lions and the Sydney Swans are the competition’s only genuine two-town teams with both non-Victorian clubs having strong supporter bases in Melbourne.
The Lions have maintained a strong association with Fitzroy following the club’s merger in 1997 while the Swans retain a link with the old South Melbourne.
Respective club legends and Brownlow Medallists Kevin Murray (Fitzroy) and Bob Skilton (South Melbourne) are considered two of the greatest VFL players of the bygone era.
* Both clubs were the first to pioneer AFL in traditionally Rugby League dominated states.
The Lions’ premiership successes in 2001, 2002 and 2003 firmly stamped the Aussie Rules code on Queensland’s sporting culture while the Swans’ breakthrough premiership in 2005 did the same in NSW.
* Current Swans Senior Coach Paul Roos has strong ties with both clubs. Before moving to the Swans as a player in 1995, Roos played 269 games with Fitzroy.
A five-time best and fairest, five-time All Australian and Fitzroy Team of our Century member - Roos holds a special place in Lions club history.
Last year, Roos was also honoured by the Lions as one of only ten Kings of the Pride when he voted as Fitzroy's best player from 1987 - 1996.
* While both clubs have shared a number of players over the years (including Roos), none established a healthier rivalry between the two sides more than Warwick Capper.
After starring with the Swans in 1986 and 1987 (when he kicked over 100 goals), Capper accepted a lucrative deal to join the then Bears where he played for three seasons.
Capper then returned to the Swans for one more year in 1991 before retiring after 124 matches and 388 goals.
* A recent Irish connection has brought these two clubs close in recent times. The Lions and Swans are two of the most active AFL clubs in recruiting and developing players from Ireland.
This weekend will see Lion Colm Begley opposing fellow Irishman and Swans premiership defender Tadgh Kennelly.
Click here to read more about the 'friendly fire' between these two players.
* In more recent history between the two sides, the Swans have been somewhat of a hoodoo for the Lions.
The Swans were on track to beat the Lions seven times on the trot before Jonathan Brown’s monster goal on the final siren salvaged a draw at the Gabba in Round 20 last year.
The Swans have also held the Lions to less than 100 points in every match they have played since 2003.
The Lions are hoping a big crowd will be on hand to help them break the Sydney hoodoo this Saturday night at the Gabba.
