But the Brisbane Lions will be expecting more than just a change in coastline when they travel across the Nullabor to face the Eagles this Sunday.
Perth’s Patersons Stadium itself requires a different approach than most.
At 175.6m in length, it is clearly the longest of all the regularly-used AFL stadiums. Geelong’s Simonds Stadium is next at 170m, while the Lions’ own Gabba ranks second last in length and is 20m shorter than the Eagles’ home ground.
Patersons Stadium is also one of the narrowest grounds at 122m - second only to Simonds Stadium (115m).
Manuka Oval (179m), Aurora Stadium (175m), and TIO Stadium (175m) are all comparable in size, but are only used sparingly throughout the season.
That’s what makes Perth arguably the most difficult road trip in the competition - regardless of whether you’re playing West Coast or Fremantle.
Lions Assistant Coach Adrian Fletcher says the team will need to adapt its tactics and strategy slightly to better suit the venue.
“The midfielders can’t run from post to post at Subiaco, so you’ve got to be really smart with your midfield running,” Fletcher said exclusively to LIONS TV as part of the regular Vero Coaches’ Wrap.
“It will be a big game for our mids, we’ve got to make sure they get out in the space on the wings.”
“They’ve (West Coast) only been beaten once at Subiaco in the last two years, so it will be a big ask for the footy club. But it’s always good to challenge yourself against the best.”
In their most recent visit to Patersons Stadium against the Dockers back in Round 3, the Lions struggled to move the ball forward and finished with an AFL record low tally of just 20 inside 50s.
However, the Club has won two of its past four matches in Western Australia - including their most recent trip to Perth to play the Eagles back in 2010.
AFL Ground Dimensions (listed longest to shortest)*
Manuka Oval (ACT) - 179m x 150m
Patersons Stadium (WA) - 175.6m x 122.4m
Aurora Stadium (TAS) - 175m x 145m
TIO Stadium (NT) - 175m x 135m
Simonds Stadium (VIC) - 170m x 115m
AAMI Stadium (SA) - 165m x 133m
MCG (VIC) - 160m x 141m
Metricon Stadium (QLD) - 160m x 134m
Blundstone Arena (TAS) - 160m x 124m
Etihad Stadium (VIC) - 159.5m x 128.8m
ANZ Stadium (NSW) - 159.5m x 128.8m
Gabba (QLD) - 156m x 138m
SCG (NSW) - 149m x 136m
*Dimension data could not be found for Skoda Stadium (NSW), Blacktown International Sportspark (NSW), or Cazaly Stadium (QLD)
