For the first time ever, Brisbane Lions AFL, AFLW, VFL and Academy teams will be taking to the field in the same weekend.

With games taking place across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, only now is it appropriate to chant "Footy is back!"

Cancel all other plans and nestle in to the couch or get out to a game in your state, because there is plenty of Lions footy to soak in.

Friday 25 March

VFL Round 1 - Carlton v Brisbane
5:05pm at Ikon Park

After a year of interrupted competition, the VFL is back in full swing this weekend with the Brisbane Lions heading down south to play Carlton on Friday night.

It’ll the Lions second ever meeting with Carlton’s VFL team, having initially played them in Round 2 last season.

It was a blowout affair as the Blues pulled away in the second half to record a 154-85 win over the Lions.

However this Friday is unlikely to be a repeat of history, with the Lions debuting a new look VFL side against Carlton thanks to strong recruitment over the off-season.

The Lions have already showcased their prowess over the pre-season, putting up solid performances against Southport and the Suns and foreshadowing a threatening VFL season ahead.

While the Blues have also enjoyed a prosperous VFL pre-season, racking up a 77-point win over Richmond last weekend.

With Friday’s match shaping up to be a tough contest, fans and members can catch all the action via the livestream on afl.com.au. The game is also open to the general public to attend, with tickets available HERE.

Saturday 26 March

AFL Round 2 - Essendon v Brisbane 
4:35pm at Marvel Stadium

It was a soggy and muddy affair when we met the Bombers at the Gabba in Round 5 last year. The same day our women's team lifted the 2022 Premiership trophy.

Essendon didn't enjoy the conditions kicking 6.9.45 to our 15.12.102. Lachie Neale caught fire with 37 touches and 2 goals, Hipwood stood up and kicked 3 goals, while Mcstay, Daniher, Prior, and McCarthy also bagged a double.

We're taking a largely unchanged team to VIC from Round 1. Zorks has evaded serious injury to his ankle, and young impact player, Harry Sharp returns to the run-on side for Mitch Robinson who was unsuccessful in his tribunal case earlier in the week.

For our VIC members and fans attending the game, catch all the info you need in the Match Day Guide.

Sunday 27 March

UPDATE: U18 Lions Academy - Sydney v Brisbane - POSTPONED

UPDATE: U17 Lions Academy - GWS v Brisbane - POSTPONED

AFLW Qualifying Final - Brisbane v Collingwood
12:05pm at The Gabba

It’s do or die for the Lions AFLW side this weekend, when they meet Collingwood in the AFLW Qualifying Final this Sunday.

With a place in the Preliminary Final up for grabs, the Lions will need to put up a strong performance against their Victorian rivals when they take to the Gabba.

The Pies have found their rhythm towards the back of the season, proving they’ve got the talent to take it to some of the best teams in the competition. Coming off strong wins over the Western Bulldogs and Richmond, as well as a close loss to minor Premiers, Adelaide in Round 9, Collingwood will be hungrier than ever for a win come Sunday.

While the Lions will be coming off a 13-day break with fresh legs and a hunger for a place in the Preliminary Final. Coming off three wins on the road, the Lions will be looking forward to getting out on the Gabba with a parochial home crowd behind them.

Their last meeting was in Round 5 at the Maroochydore Multi Sport Complex, where hot and windy conditions saw the two sides battle it out in a tough contest. Despite being the Lions third match in 12 days, they proved they had the endurance in them to grind it out and walk away with the four points.  

Both teams will head into Sunday’s clash familiar with the ferocity Finals football at the Gabba can bring. The two sides met in the 2021 Preliminary Final last year, the Lions’ second-ever game at the Gabba, where the home team held on to book their place in the 2021 AFLW Grand Final.

Members and fans are urged to get to the Gabba and help turn it into a fortress as the Lions AFLW side fights to keep their 2022 AFLW Finals campaign alive. Get your seat today HERE.