Whether you’re watching from the couch or from the stands, lions.com.au, takes a look at the matches you can’t miss in 2016.
West Coast Eagles v Brisbane Lions, Round 1, Domain Stadium
The Lions will get the most testing road trip in the AFL out of the way early as they travel to Perth in round one to take on the Eagles in an Easter Sunday twilight game on March 27. Despite West Coast coming off a grand final loss, it’s likely the game will be a sell-out as West Australians welcome in a new season and the Eagles hope to go one better. Brisbane are also set to be reacquainted with midfielder Jack Redden who was traded West in the off-season. A challenge first up but certainly one to watch.
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast, Round 4, The Gabba
The Lions will face state rivals the Gold Coast Suns in the first of two Q-Clashes. Fresh from a trip to Geelong in round three, the Lions will be looking to restore Queensland bragging rights against the Suns. Gold Coast have won three of the last five matches, including a 14-point win in their last meeting.
Brisbane Lions v Collingwood, Round 8, The Gabba
James Aish is in for a difficult night if he lines up against his old side at The Gabba when the Brisbane Lions clash with Collingwood on May 14. Last time the teams met, more than 30 000 fans watched the Pies win by 12 points at The Gabba. The Lions faithful didn't take too fondly to Aish’s request to be traded to the Pies in October, and this will be the first chance they have to tell him about it.
Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn, Round 10, The Gabba
Brisbane will take on Hawthorn at The Gabba as part of the AFL's revamped Indigenous Round named in honour of Aboriginal icon and former Fitzroy player Sir Doug Nicholls on May 28. It will be the first time since 2008 the Hawks have played at The Gabba. Daniel Merrett remains the only player on the Lions’ list to have played in the same match.
Richmond v Brisbane Lions, Round 14, MCG
It was good news for the Club’s Melbourne-based supporters when the AFL released next season’s fixtures. The Lions will play six games in Melbourne in 2016 in addition to a match against the Cats in Geelong. In the second of two matches at the MCG, the Lions will face 2015 finalists and one of Victoria’s most revered clubs, Richmond, in a Saturday afternoon clash. The Lions last played the Tigers at the MCG in 2014. A win for the Lions would silence the Tiger Army.
Essendon v Brisbane Lions, Round 18, Etihad Stadium
The Lions’ Stefan Martin will match up against traded Lion Matthew Leuenberger for the first time when Brisbane take on Essendon at Etihad Stadium on July 24. Despite the Lions coming off second best the last time the two teams met, this game may come down to the battle of the rucks.
Brisbane Lions v Geelong, Round 22, The Gabba
The Lions will face Geelong twice in 2016. With four former Cats (Allen Christensen, Jarrad Jansen, Josh Walker and Trent West) on the Club’s list and a host of former Lions in coaching roles at Geelong, this will be one to watch.
