With the 2017 AFL fixture released earlier today, we take a look at the big games to get excited for next year!
Round 1: Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast, Metricon Stadium
Pearce Hanley's end-of-season trade to the Gold Coast Suns will add a new dynamic to the rivalry which grows more spiteful by the year. Chris Fagan will be looking for a strong start to his senior coaching career as the Lions take the trip down the M1 to take on the SUNS.
We are also pleased to confirm that, as of 2017, full season members will also hold entry entitlements to our QClash game against the Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba in Round 21. Further details of these arrangements will be advised shortly.
Round 7: Sydney v Brisbane, SCG
For a long time now, the Swans have had the better of the Lions, including a fiery 3 point loss in 2016 at the Gabba. The Lions will play Sydney at the SCG for the first time since 2013 on May 7 and will need their on-ball brigade up and firing. The last time the two teams met Dayne Zorko (33 touches) and Mitch Robinson (28, 19 contested) were critical and will hope to have the same influence this time around.
Round 8: Hawthorn v Brisbane, UOT Stadium
In what promises to be an interesting game, Chris Fagan will coach against his old side Hawthorn in his home state of Tasmania in round 8 of the 2017 season. For the first time since 2013, the Hawks will enter the season without being reigning premiers and despite the Lions not having a good record in Tasmania, it’s expected the Lions’ list will be excited by the challenge.
Round 10: Collingwood v Brisbane, MCG
The last time the Lions played the Pies at the MCG was Round 21, 2014 when they came away with a huge 67-point win. Zorko gathered 23 disposals in the first half and finished with 36 and two goals for the match. The Lions will face Collingwood in Round 10, the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round, ahead of the bye in week eleven.
