The Brisbane Lions don’t get too many opportunities to play at the MCG – widely recognised as the ‘home of football’.

In fact, the Lions have only played there once in the past 24 months, and that was in Round 20 last year against Richmond.

The ground still holds many fond memories for Lions fans following the Club’s historic hat-trick of premierships from 2001-03.

But with the Lions having only participated in September once in the past decade, the Club generally only visits the venue once or twice a season.

This Saturday will be the first of two matches scheduled for the Lions at the MCG this season, with the Tigers once again the opponent.

Assistant Coach Murray Davis says it’s important that the Lions players ‘enjoy’ the experience and make the most of the occasion. After all, it’s ultimately where AFL Grand Finals are won or lost.

“It’s a great venue to play at and we don’t play many games there, so we’re really looking forward to it,” Davis told LIONS TV as part of the Vero Coaches’ Wrap.

“It’s a ground where finals are played and it’s about winning the contested ball, and that’s what we’ll need to bring to our game against the Tigers.”

The MCG will be relatively foreign to most of the players that take to the field this Saturday afternoon, with 12 of last week’s team having only played there three or less times.

That includes five players who will likely get there first ever chance to play on the hallowed turf this weekend – James Aish, Lewy Taylor, Michael Close, Daniel McStay, and Marco Paparone.

Ryan Harwood is another who has only played twice at the MCG, but is set to line-up for his 50th AFL game against the Tigers on Saturday.

The ground itself is around 17m longer and 10m wider than the Gabba, so the Lions will be hoping to make the most of the space by using their run.  

“It’s important that we play our style of play on that ground,” Davis said.