The Lions were initially scheduled to play matches across Queensland and in Alice Springs throughout the opening three weeks of the NAB Cup, while the fourth week’s fixture remained ‘TBC’ dependent on the team’s progress in the pre-season competition.
The uncertainty of the fixture kept the Club - and its Melbourne fans - in the dark until last Sunday when the AFL confirmed the match at Visy Park.
Lions General Manager of Football Operations Dean Warren said it was imperative for the team to play at least one pre-season match in front of its Melbourne fans - particularly given the Club’s Fitzroy origins.
“We had requested for the AFL to schedule us in Melbourne during the fourth week to make sure our Victorian members and supporters could watch us play,” Warren said.
“We really appreciate the support they give us down there, and we saw it as being critically important that they got the chance to see the team before the regular season starts.”
However, the later than expected start to the match coupled with accommodation difficulties surrounding the Grand Prix, meant that plans for a potential Family Day in Victoria had to be changed at short notice.
“It was always our intention to organise a supporter event around the game, and we ended up having to do our best considering the circumstances,” Warren said.
“We faced some difficulties surrounding the Grand Prix, which caused a lack of accommodation options around Melbourne for our travelling group.”
“We had initially hoped for an earlier timeslot - maybe around 1:10pm - so we could plan a more structured Family Day for after the game. But the match was scheduled for 3:30pm which left us with very few options.”
Warren said that while the plans aren’t ideal for Lions supporters, the Club would still try to provide those fans in attendance this Saturday with a unique experience at the game.
“We’re planning on conducting our warm-downs on the field immediately after the game in one of the pockets - weather permitting, of course,” he said.
“Then the players will stay out on the ground for a period to sign some autographs, before heading down into the changerooms.”
“Browny is also flying down for the match, so will be available to mix with the fans.”
Warren also revealed some good news for Victorian fans surrounding the team’s travel plans in Melbourne for Round 1 (against Melbourne at the MCG) and Round 6 (against Essendon at Etihad Stadium).
“For the first couple of Melbourne matches during the home and away season, we’re looking at flying down a night earlier than usual,” he said.
“So it might present our Victorian members and supporters with an opportunity to watch the team train on a Friday morning before the Saturday games.”
“We’ll trial that over the first two Melbourne games and see how it works before implementing it for the entire season.”
Victorian-based Lions members will receive FREE admission into this Saturday’s game at Visy Park upon presentation of their 2012 membership card.
There will also be a membership marquee positioned outside Gate 5, where fans will also receive a free admission ticket upon signing up as a member.
Jonathan Brown will be available to meet fans before the game at the membership marquee between 2:30pm - 3:15pm, and will also appear with the rest of his team-mates after the final siren.
CLICK HERE for more details surrounding the ‘meet the players’ event after Saturday’s game.
