Brisbane Lions Chairman Bob Sharpless tonight urged members to stand together moving forward as he addressed the Club’s Annual General Meeting at the Gabba.
Sharpless said 2014 held a huge amount of promise with a new Board including club legend Leigh Matthews, a new Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch at the helm, and a better-resourced Football Department - all with the full backing of the AFL.
The Club has also been buoyed by a standout group of young recruits, the continued success of the LIONS@Springwood social club, and continued negotiations to secure its Elite Training and Administration Facility at Springfield.
“With a united approach, the Club is committed to taking on the challenge that lies ahead in lifting our club back to the top," said Sharpless.
Members at tonight’s meeting voted in favour of a resolution changing the Club’s playing guernsey back to the triple-Premiership jumper for the 2015 season.
Members also voted to change the Constitution to allow Life Members to have full membership status.
Both resolutions had the full support of the Board.
The vote to change the playing guernsey came after the annual members’ survey of more than 3,000 respondents showed 71.4 percent supported a change in jumper.
Director Mick Power, who was up for re-election tonight, was voted back in unopposed.
Mr Sharpless told tonight’s meeting: “Now is a time that we must all stand together and accept the challenge of rebuilding our Club.
“Having been a member of the Lions for 15 years, I have ridden the highs and lows.
“On behalf of the entire Board I’d like to thank you all for your patience and understanding over the past few months.
“I am thrilled that we have been able to put these issues behind us prior to pre-season kicking off, allowing the focus to return to football, and the bright future of the Club.
“It is an exciting time to be a part of the Lions and together we can make great things happen if we BELIEVE and BELONG."