Melbourne-based Brisbane Lions fans have experienced first-hand the highs and lows associated with AFL football over the past few months.

They had the chance to share in the spoils of victory during the team’s promising pre-season campaign, which culminated in the Lions defeating Collingwood and Carlton in consecutive weeks to claim the 2013 NAB Cup.

Unfortunately Etihad Stadium hasn’t been such a happy hunting ground since.

Significant losses to the Western Bulldogs (Round 1) and North Melbourne (Round 4) in the season proper quickly deflated any air of expectation that might have surrounded Lions fans following the Club’s pre-season triumph.

But hope springs eternal for a Lions side determined to turn their fortunes around against Essendon this Saturday afternoon in what will be a significant match for Victorian fans.

Not only will the Club be recognising the 10-year anniversary of the Lions’ historic hat-trick of premierships by wearing a commemorative 3-Peat ‘Hero’ guernsey, but it will also be the fans’ last chance until Round 20 to see the team play live.

So the Club is encouraging all members and supporters to lend their voice and show their support to the team this Saturday at Etihad Stadium.

Melbourne-based fans attending this week’s match are advised of the following important match-day information:

Lions vs Essendon – Fully Ticketed
The AFL declared this Saturday’s clash against Essendon at Etihad Stadium as fully ticketed, which means that every patron must have a reserved seat to enter the stadium. As all Victorian Lions memberships are General Admission, all members need to upgrade to a reserved seat for this match by only paying the reserved seat component of the ticket. Upgrades can be done via Ticketmaster or call 1300 136 122 (for members wanting to sit on Level 3, you will only need to pay a nominal Ticketmaster fee of around $5).

Victorian Cheersquad members WILL NOT be required to upgrade their membership for this match as your barcodes will be foregone and a reserved seat ticket will be available for collection at the AFL Ticket Collection window (near Gate 5 at Etihad Stadium) on match day from 12.30pm. You will be required to provide your membership card/account ID to collect your ticket.

Lions Membership Sales and Enquiries
The Brisbane Lions’ membership service point will be at the AFL Ticket Collection window (near Gate 5 at Etihad Stadium) from 12.30pm until bounce for any membership questions or enquiries. Please direct any of your match day questions here in place of the merchandise marquee on the footbridge.

3-Peat ‘Hero’ Guernsey on sale
The Lions Shop will be located on the Bourke Street footbridge from 11.30am Saturday and all our Victorian fans who pre-purchased a '3-Peat Hero Guernsey' before 15 May will have the opportunity to pick up their garment from the marquee before the match.

The Lions players will be proudly wearing the ‘3-Peat Hero Guernsey’ for this match and the Lions Shop will have limited quantities on-site for purchase for $159.95 on the day.

Members can also use their $15 merchandise voucher towards the guernsey or order their slice of history online.

Aftermatch Function
All Lions fans are encouraged to stay back after Saturday’s match against Essendon to hear from some of the players and coaches at the Club’s official aftermatch function held in the Victory Room inside Etihad Stadium (Level 1, Aisle 13-16).

Lions fans receive free entry into this event, which is scheduled to start shortly after the final siren. A selection of players will be in attendance once they have completed their usual post-match warm-downs (approx. 45 minutes after the siren).

Fans will be entertained while they wait by Gold 104’s Craig Huggins, who will conduct roving interviews, host some Lions trivia and give some prizes.

Social Media Hub
Fans can also follow Saturday’s game via the Social Media Hub on lions.com.au.  

The Social Media Hub includes all the latest Tweets from the game, including exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.

Melbourne Training
Lions fans are welcome to attend the Lions’ public training session at Wesley College at 4pm on Friday 17 May.