A caring 20 year-old Blacky and an earnest Aker, Whitey and Beau MacDonald delivering a heartfelt speech to my students as part of the “Here for Life” program, was my introduction to the Brisbane Lions. It was 1999 and their personal stories were so inspiring I felt compelled to see these players in action.
I had been to a few AFL matches before in Melbourne, but I didn’t realise that same passion and atmosphere could be experienced at the Gabba. I went along with my AFL-loving boyfriend (now husband) and I instantly felt the Gabba’s incredible energy. I sat in awe of stars like Lynch and Voss, witnessed the amazing skills of Blacky and Aker, the quiet force of Hart and Lappin, and the brutality of the Scott twins. The action took place all over the field, not just in straight lines like League/Union. I was enthralled and soon our social calendar was organised around Lions matches.
My husband proudly wore his Lions guernsey to the games and one day a Lions staffer asked, “You’ve got the guernsey, how come you’re not a member?” It didn’t occur to us to sign up, but we quickly discovered the benefits of being a full member: having a reserved seat; not needing to phone or line up to purchase fully priced tickets; getting discount vouchers for merchandise; and being invited to special Members’ only events.
In the years that followed, I would not only watch the Lions play at home, but also in Melbourne, Tasmania, Geelong, Adelaide and the Gold Coast. Often we would take our young children along, making a family holiday of it, but for us nothing beats watching the mighty Lions kicking goals at the Gabba. That feeling of anticipation is exhilarating; when the game is tight deep into the third quarter, the home crowd’s roar can really rock the stadium. Recently, I was lucky enough to win a Member’s Seat Upgrade to the Devine VIP corporate box. It was incredible! The view, the food, the drinks on offer, being so close to the action and meeting a Lions player - it was an experience with our friends we will forever cherish.
So yes, we are unashamed Lions members. We’ve got the licence plates, multiple guernseys, signed footballs and flags; we proudly wear our Members’ hats to the work site and on playground duty, and Lions’ polos/hoodies when teaching PE or on Sports’ Days. I have attended countless training sessions and reserves games, been to a Season Launch, the opening of the Social Club at Springwood, as well as a few Intra-Club matches and Club Champion Dinners. We’ve taken the kids to the Family Fun Days; done a behind-the-scenes tour of the Gabba; watched a pre-game warm up session led by legendary Leigh Matthews and lined up for 15 hours for a Lions Grand Final ticket before driving down to Melbourne in time for the parade.
Minutes after our first child was born, my husband gently held our baby in his arms and sang the Club song to him. Our son is now 6 years old and as a junior Lions’ member, he was invited to participate in a school holidays’ footy clinic at the Gabba. The charismatic Richard Champion emceed the event and McGrath, Rich, Redden, Huddo, Green, Polks and Golby were some of the amazing players who led the drills. It was fantastic!
Our life as loyal Lions members has been a rich and rewarding one - so many great memories shared with our family and friends. We haven’t always agreed with Club decisions or enjoyed consistent on-field success, but we LOVE our Lions and we’ll continue to answer to the call.
GO LIONS!
Christine (Member #1059164)
teachme.brisbane@gmail.com
