After the release of our 2018 AFL Fixture on Tuesday, we’ve gone through all of our games and picked the five must-see matchups for next season. 

5. Round 3 

Port Adelaide v Brisbane
Saturday 7 April, Adelaide Oval

Round 3 will have Lions fans feeling a little strange as former Captain Tom Rockliff takes to the field in teal and black.

It will be the first game the Lions come up against their former teammate, who was traded to Port Adelaide as a free agent at the end of the 2017 season.

The trip to Adelaide will be a huge early-season test for the Lions, who have never won at the ground since Adelaide and Port Adelaide started playing there in 2014.

With a longstanding rivalry between the two teams, expect a fiery encounter as they Lions look to stand up to one of 2018’s more fancied teams.

4. Round 4

Richmond v Brisbane
Saturday 14 April, MCG.

One of the Lions’ biggest challenges for the season will come in Round 4 when they take on the reigning premiers at the ‘G.

The game is set to be a colossal contest for the Lions, especially with Richmond’s parochial fans expected to be out in full force.   

The match will be the Lions’ only game at the MCG in 2018.

Claiming the scalp of Richmond early in the season would be a massive result that would shock the AFL world. Wouldn’t that be something!

3. Round 12 

Brisbane v Essendon
Sunday 10 June, The Gabba

Essendon will be looking for revenge in Round 12 after the Lions left them stunned in 2017.

Down by five goals in the last quarter, the Lions came away with a nail-biting eight-point victory at Etihad Stadium. 

In 2018, the Lions will have only one opportunity to take on the Bombers.

With Essendon marked as a team on the rise, the Lions will be sure to come out firing in this match to get another win over an old rival.

2. Round 15

Fremantle v Brisbane
Sunday 1 July, Perth Stadium

It’ll be an exciting experience for Lions’ fans in Western Australia, and fans who don’t mind a bit of travel, when we make our debut at the Dockers’ shiny new stadium in Round 15.

Similar to the ‘G, Perth Stadium’s grandstand seating seems to stretch up vertically, giving the spectators a breathtaking sight from any section of the stadium.

With more than 15,000 LED lights giving Perth Stadium ultimate bragging rights, it is a shame the match will be held in the early afternoon. Nonetheless, the atmosphere and hype around this new stadium will be great to witness.

Last time the Lions met Fremantle was on home turf during Round 12 this year. It proved to be a victorious match for the young Lions side, almost doubling the Dockers score.

The Lions left a lasting impression on the Dockers in 2017, let’s hope our debut at Perth Stadium in 2018 is one to remember!

1. Round 9 

Brisbane V Hawthorn
Sunday 20 May, The Gabba

Round 9 is guaranteed to be a blockbuster for the Brisbane Lions, facing off against the Hawthorn Hawks on home turf.

The main talking point will of course be former Hawks legend Luke Hodge, who will be in the spotlight as he faces off against the Club he called home for 16 seasons and 305 games.

It’ll also be a big game for Senior Coach Chris Fagan. Fagan was Hawks Coach Alistair Clarkson’s right-hand man for nine seasons and was witness to the illustrious role that Hodge played at the Club during his time.

The last time we met saw the Hawks take the four points, pulling away in the final term to triumph in Tasmania.

With Hodgey now on our side and a bumper home crowd expected, this is easily our most anticipated match of 2018.

What's your thoughts on our five must-see games of 2018? Join the discussion on Facebook and have your say!