Brisbane Lions Tickets

The Brisbane Lions had us on the edge of our seats in 2023. There were thrilling highs, a couple of gut-wrenching dips, and a final loop that left us wanting more

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Brisbane Lions Football Club: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin story of the Brisbane Lions Football Club?

The Brisbane Lions were born from one of the most unique and unprecedented events in Australian Football League history – the merger of two existing clubs facing extinction. On July 4, 1996, the AFL formally approved the union between the financially struggling Fitzroy Lions, a foundation Victorian club with over a century of history, and the Brisbane Bears, a young expansion team established in 1987, battling severe financial difficulties.

Fitzroy's situation was particularly dire. The club had endured consecutive wooden spoons, possessed no permanent home ground after being evicted from Brunswick Street Oval in 1965, and was drowning in debt. A proposed merger with North Melbourne had been overwhelmingly rejected by other club presidents, leaving Fitzroy in administration with limited options for survival.

The Brisbane Bears, despite showing promise on-field with finals appearances in 1995 and a preliminary final in 1996, remained financially unstable. The AFL recognised that securing football's future in the crucial Queensland market required decisive action. The merger represented a pragmatic solution that would preserve both clubs' legacies while creating a stronger, more viable entity.

The terms carefully honoured Fitzroy's heritage; the new club adopted the Lions' emblem, retained the famous club song sung to "La Marseillaise," and incorporated Fitzroy's traditional maroon and blue colours with the Bears' gold. Eight Fitzroy players transferred to the new entity and received board representation. This wasn't merely a corporate takeover but a genuine synthesis of two football cultures.

How many premierships have the Brisbane Lions won throughout their combined history?

The Brisbane Lions can claim 12 VFL/AFL premierships when combining their full historical record. This tally places them among the most successful clubs in league history, trailing only Carlton, Essendon, Collingwood, and Melbourne.

Eight of these premierships came during the Fitzroy era, spanning from 1898 to 1944. Fitzroy's golden periods included back-to-back victories in 1898-1899 and 1904-1905, with additional flags in 1913, 1916, 1922, and 1944. These victories established Fitzroy as one of the VFL's most dominant early forces.

The modern Brisbane Lions have added four AFL premierships to this honour roll. The club's defining achievement was the historic "three-peat" from 2001-2003 when they became only the fourth team in VFL/AFL history to win three consecutive premierships. This dynasty was crowned by commanding Grand Final victories over Essendon in 2001, followed by two triumphs over Collingwood in 2002 and 2003.

After a two-decade premiership drought, the Lions claimed their fourth modern flag in 2024, defeating the Sydney Swans in a dominant Grand Final performance. The club has also appeared in two Grand Finals as runners-up – a narrow loss to Port Adelaide in 2004 that ended their dynasty and a heartbreaking defeat to Collingwood in 2023.

What makes The Gabba special as the Lions' home ground?

The Brisbane Cricket Ground, universally known as The Gabba, represents far more than just a sporting venue for the Brisbane Lions – it's their fortress and spiritual home. Located in Woolloongabba, this iconic stadium has hosted cricket since 1896 and became the permanent home for Brisbane AFL when the Bears relocated there in 1993.

The venue underwent a comprehensive $128 million redevelopment between 1993 and 2005, transforming it into a world-class, 360-degree stadium with unrestricted views and a capacity of approximately 37,000 for AFL matches. The Gabba's significance extends beyond its impressive facilities – it became a genuine fortress during the Lions' premiership era, where the home-ground advantage proved crucial to their success.

The stadium's multi-sport heritage adds to its mystique. It has hosted Test cricket, Olympic Games preliminary matches, rugby league, rugby union, and various other sporting events. In 2020, The Gabba made AFL history by becoming the first venue outside Victoria to host the AFL Grand Final due to COVID-19 restrictions.

For Lions supporters, The Gabba represents the culmination of their club's journey from the uncertainty of the merger to becoming a powerhouse. The atmosphere on match days, particularly during finals, creates an intimidating environment for visiting teams while providing an electric experience for the passionate Brisbane faithful.

Who are the greatest individual players in Brisbane Lions history?

The Brisbane Lions' combined history boasts an extraordinary collection of individual talent, particularly evident in their remarkable Brownlow Medal success. The club can claim 10 players who have won the AFL's most prestigious individual award a combined 14 times – a testament to the elite talent that has worn the Lions' colours across both eras.

The Fitzroy era produced eight Brownlow Medals, headlined by the legendary Haydn Bunton Sr., who won thrice (1931, 1932, 1935). Other Fitzroy legends include Kevin Murray (1969), Bernie Quinlan (1981), and Wilfred Smallhorn (1933). Michael Voss bridged the gap by winning in 1996 as a Brisbane Bear before becoming the inspirational captain of the merged club.

The modern Brisbane Lions have continued this tradition, with three more winners claiming five medals in total. Jason Akermanis won in 2001 during the first premiership year, followed by Simon Black in 2002. In the contemporary era, Lachie Neale has emerged as a dominant force, winning in 2020 and 2023.

The club's official 'Legends' represent the pinnacle of honour, with six individuals elevated to this status. From Fitzroy: Haydn Bunton Sr., Kevin Murray, and Garry Wilson. From the modern era: Michael Voss, Simon Black, and Jonathan Brown. These legends embody the club's values of excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Lions' cause.

What are the Brisbane Lions' most significant rivalries?

The Brisbane Lions' rivalries reflect their unique position as a merged club with both Queensland and Victorian heritage, creating a fascinating array of evolved competitive relationships.

The QClash against Gold Coast represents the local Queensland derby, with matches contested for the QClash Trophy and the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for best on ground. While initially perceived as a manufactured rivalry, it has gained genuine intensity as both clubs have become more competitive, developing into a significant fixture that captures Queensland's sporting imagination.

The rivalry with Collingwood runs deepest, forged in the crucible of high-stakes Grand Finals. The Lions defeated the Magpies in consecutive Grand Finals in 2002 and 2003, creating lasting animosity that was reignited when Collingwood claimed victory in the thrilling 2023 decider. This rivalry also draws from historical battles between Fitzroy and Collingwood dating back decades.

Port Adelaide represents the defining interstate rivalry of the early 2000s. As the two dominant non-Victorian clubs of that era, their encounters were fierce and often determined premiership outcomes. The rivalry peaked in the 2004 Grand Final when Port Adelaide ended Brisbane's dynastic run.

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