The Brisbane Lions will embark on one of football’s toughest trips this weekend when they cross the Nullabor to face reigning Grand Finalists Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

Not only will the Lions have their work cut out form them against the well-drilled Dockers, but the venue itself presents its own challenges.

At 175.6m in length, Patersons Stadium is clearly the longest of all the regularly-used AFL stadiums.

In comparison, the Lions’ own Gabba ranks second last in length measuring 20m shorter than the Dockers’ home ground.

Fremantle are certainly masters of their domain, having lost just two of their past 24 matches at Patersons Stadium.

The Lions, meanwhile, haven’t claimed four points in Perth since Jonathan Brown’s clutch goal in the dying seconds helped secure a five-point victory over the West Coast Eagles in Round 19 of 2010.

The Lions won’t be too familiar with the venue either.

Seven players from Lions’ side that was defeated by the Giants last Saturday have never played a senior AFL match in Perth, while a further three – Sam Mayes, Justin Clarke, and Claye Beams – have made the journey once.

But Assistant Coach Murray Davis is confident that the Lions’ youth will be able to use the expanse of Subiaco to their advantage – so long as they can win the ball at contests.   

“We think we’ve got guys who cover the ground,” Davis told LIONS TV as part of the Vero Coaches’ Wrap.

“It’s really just about making sure that we’re better in and around the contest first and foremost, and then we can use our run from there.

“(It’s really important) that we put the work in on the training track and prepare to take on a very good side in Fremantle.”