Luke Power in action for the Brisbane Lions
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The Vodafone Brisbane Lions will have their first official hit-out for the year on Saturday 14 February (Valentine’s Day) when they face reigning pre-season premiers St Kilda at Carrara in the first round of the 2009 AFL NAB Cup competition.
The match will be the first opportunity for Lions fans to see some of the Club’s new recruits in action with a number of 2008 draftees pushing hard for selection.
Tickets are on sale for this match from Thursday 29 January 2009 through Ticketmaster by calling 1300 136 122, visiting www.ticketmaster.com.au or via any Ticketmaster outlet.
PRE-SEASON FACTS AND FIGURES
· The Brisbane Lions are one of only three teams to have never won a pre-season competition together with the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle. However, the Club has experienced two pre-season premierships with Fitzroy in 1959 and 1978.
· The Lions have twice made it through to the pre-season series Grand Final since forming as a merged entity in 1997 – in 2001 against Port Adelaide and in 2007 against Carlton.
· Hawthorn hold the record for most pre-season premierships with nine including three times back-to-back.
· Lions Vice-Captain Luke Power has played more matches in the pre-season competition than any other current Lions player with 27 while Daniel Bradshaw is ranked second with 23.
· Bradshaw has also kicked more goals in pre-season competitions than any other current Lions player with 29. Lions Captain Jonathan Brown is next best with 17 goals from 10 matches.
· Jared Brennan became the first Lions player to kick multiple nine-point super goals in a match last season against Essendon at Carrara. The livewire left-footer’s total of two career super goals is the most of any current Lions player.
AFL NAB CUP RECENT HISTORY
2006 AFL NAB Cup
First Round
Brisbane Lions 1.8.13 (70)
Essendon 1.8.12 (69)
Jared Brennan’s late heroics helped the Lions to a thrilling 1-point win against Essendon at Carrara. Brennan scored seven points in the final three minutes to lead the Lions to a come-from-behind win. Scott Harding and Marcus Allan were both among the best players on the field in their first matches at senior level.
Quarter Final
Brisbane Lions 0.12.1.6 (81)
Melbourne 0.13.0.12 (90)
A near full-strength Melbourne side eliminated the Lions with a tightly fought 9-point win at Telstra Dome. Daniel Merrett and Mitch Clark each kicked three goals as focal points up forward while Simon Black and Jamie Charman were also among the team’s best.
2007 AFL NAB Cup
First Round
Brisbane Lions 0.7.10 (52)
St Kilda 1.5.6 (45)
Facing a seemingly insurmountable 28-point deficit in torrential Cairns conditions at quarter time, the Lions dug deep and prevailed by seven points. Justin Sherman kicked two goals while Simon Black, Jed Adcock and Michael Rischitelli were among the best.
Quarter Final
Brisbane Lions 2.12.12 (102)
Western Bulldogs 2.7.10 (70)
The new-look Lions surprised many by eliminating hot favourites the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome. Marcus Allan booted three goals but it was in the midfield that the Lions dominated proceedings. The Bulldogs simply had no answer for Michael Rischitelli and Tim Notting who were both unstoppable.
Semi Final
Brisbane Lions 3.8.10 (85)
Geelong 0.10.13 (73)
Despite having travelled for three consecutive weeks, the Lions were able to combat Geelong with speed and skill. Last quarter heroics from Justin Sherman, Joel Patfull and Luke Power ensure the Lions’ 12-point win. Simon Black and Michael Rischitelli were again among the team’s best.
Grand Final
Brisbane Lions 0.10.12 (72)
Carlton 2.12.7 (97)
Despite a valiant final quarter comeback, the Lions fell to Carlton by 27 points in the 2007 AFL NAB Cup Grand Final. Jonathan Brown returned to the team to boot two goals while Simon Black, Scott Harding and Cheynee Stiller were all busy in the midfield.
2008 AFL NAB Cup
First Round
Essendon 2.11.16 (100)
Brisbane Lions 2.8.7 (73)
With both sides missing a large selection of their big names, the Lions lost by 27 points despite making a late charge early in the final quarter. Jared Brennan kicked two super goals, Lachlan Henderson kicked three goals on debut while Luke Power, Travis Johnstone and Albert Proud were busy in the middle.
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