The Brisbane Lions, having already broken the all-time membership record of 31,000, have now sailed past the 2021 target of 35,000.

With plenty of blockbusters to come and a side that plays an attractive brand of footy, the Lions can dare to dream of cracking 40,000.

Pull up at any suburban oval on a Saturday morning and you’ll see why.

Participation rates for junior football in Queensland are experiencing the type of growth CEOs dream about.

Each year increasing numbers of young boys are lacing up the boots and chasing a Sherrin around the park with their mates.

But it is in the girls’ competitions where the growth chart is the steepest.

Perhaps they are inspired by the success of the Brisbane Lions AFLW side who broke through for their maiden AFLW premiership in 2021 having reached the Grand Final in the first two years of the competition.

AFL Queensland stats reveal the number of girls in ages Under 13 to Under 17 has risen by 23 per cent since 2019.

The growth in junior participation across boys and girls competitions coincides with the numbers of young people joining the +35K club as Lions’ members.

Junior memberships have increased 23 per cent since 2019 and are now at an all-time high of 9,729.

CEO Greg Swann said the record membership revealed the Club not only had a strong core of loyal supporters who returned year after year but were also constantly attracting new fans and members.

“The members of our club have been outstanding,’’ he said.

“Firstly, during COVID they stuck with us in our hour of need and now we have smashed our record, with more to come.

“The members are the lifeblood of the club and this record is a testament to their loyalty and commitment.

“Thank you.’’

The Club will be surprising a heap of members over the coming weeks so keep any eye out on the club channels as it could be you.

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