Brisbane Lions facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brisbane Lions
Names
Full name	Brisbane Bears-Fitzroy Football Club Limited, trading as Brisbane Lions Australian Football Club
Nickname(s)	Lions
2025 season
After finals	AFL: Premiers
Home-and-away season	AFL: 3rd
Leading goalkicker	AFL: Logan Morris (53)
Best and fairest	AFL: Josh Dunkley
Club details
Founded	1 November 1996 From the incorporated AFL operations of: Fitzroy Football Club (formed 1883) Brisbane Bears (formed 1987)
Colours	Maroon      Blue      Gold
Competition	AFL: Senior men AFLW: Senior women VFL: Reserves men Talent League: Academy Boys Talent League Girls: Academy Girls
Chairman	Andrew Wellington
CEO	Sam Graham
Coach	AFL: Chris Fagan AFLW: Craig Starcevich VFL: Ben Hudson
Captain(s)	AFL: Harris Andrews Josh Dunkley Hugh McCluggage AFLW: Breanna Koenen
Premierships	AFL (6) 2001 2002 2003 2024 2025 2026 AFLW (2) 2021 2023 Reserves (5) 2001 2012 2013 2017 2019
Ground(s)	AFL: The Gabba (1997–present) AFLW: Springfield Central Stadium (8,000) VFL: Springfield Central Stadium
Training ground(s)	Springfield Central Stadium (2022–present)
Uniforms
Home Away Clash
Other information
Official website	lions.com.au
Current season

The Brisbane Lions are an Australian rules football team from the city of Brisbane. They play inside the top league called the Australian Football League (AFL). The club represents the sunny state of Queensland at the highest national level. Their official colours are maroon, navy blue, and bright gold. The team plays home matches at a famous ground named the Gabba. They also train at a modern venue named Springfield Central Stadium. The team won six premiership trophies in the elite national men's division. They also have an AFL Women's squad that has won two premierships. Many people consider the team to be one of the modern eras most successful squads.

How the Brisbane Lions Club Came Together

Early Days of the Fitzroy Football Club

Fitzroy's 1898 premiership-winning side

The roots of the Lions trace back over one hundred years to Victoria. The Fitzroy Football Club began operations in Melbourne in September of 1883. They started playing games during 1884 wearing maroon and blue uniforms. Their early matches took place at the charming Brunswick Street Oval. The club quickly showed strength by winning a trophy in 1895. In 1897, Fitzroy joined seven other teams to form the Victorian Football League. Fitzroy was an early powerhouse, winning seven titles as the Maroons. They won another title in 1944 while using the nickname the Gorillas. Six different players from Fitzroy won the prestigious individual Brownlow Medal. These stars included Haydn Bunton Sr., Wilfred Smallhorn, and Dinny Ryan. Other medal heroes were Allan Ruthven, Kevin Murray, and Bernie Quinlan.

Haydn Bunton Sr. won three Brownlow Medals and two club best and fairest medals in his time at Fitzroy.

Fitzroy chose the ferocious nickname of the Lions during the 1957 season. However, leaving their longtime home ground in 1965 caused decades of difficult struggles. The team often finished near the bottom of the ladder during winter seasons. They suffered several winless stretches and received numerous wooden spoon finishes. During the 1980s, coach Robert Walls brought exciting finals appearances back to Fitzroy. Talented stars such as Garry Wilson, Gary Pert, and Paul Roos played there. Coach David Parkin also guided the squad during competitive playoff campaigns. Yet, mounting financial troubles made it hard for Fitzroy to survive alone. The league began discussing plans for a big move to northern cities.

The Story of the Brisbane Bears

Carrara Stadium was the original home ground of the Brisbane Bears.

The Brisbane Bears joined the competition as an exciting expansion team during 1987. At first, the Bears played matches at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast. The young side found it tough to win games against older Victorian rivals. Critics even teased the struggling team with funny names like the Bad News Bears. Businessman Christopher Skase helped start the club before running into serious money problems. Club leader Paul Cronin also stepped down when finances became very tight. The league took charge and sold the team to hospitality owner Reuben Pelerman. The Bears finished in last place on the ladder during 1990 and 1991. Pelerman was losing large sums of money trying to keep the team alive.

Survival required a bold new strategy and moving closer to loyal city fans. The Bears played a few exhibition matches at the Gabba during 1991. They decided to permanently move all home games there before the 1993 season. The club also shifted away from private ownership so supporters could elect directors. Fan memberships quickly jumped and crowd numbers tripled inside the larger stadium. On the field, the Bears finally reached the finals in 1995 and 1996. Great young talents joined the club through the national draft system. These rising stars included Michael Voss, Justin Leppitsch, and acrobatic jumper Darryl White. Other key young players were running specialist Jason Akermanis and clever ball-winner Nigel Lappin.

The Historic 1996 Merger

By 1996, both Fitzroy and the Bears faced huge economic hurdles to continue. Fitzroy originally considered joining together with the North Melbourne Football Club. However, other team presidents voted against that plan during league meetings. Fitzroy entered business administration to find an enduring partner for the future. The administrator decided to accept an exciting offer from the northern Bears. The two clubs merged their football departments into one strong united club. The newly created team took the name the Brisbane Bears-Fitzroy Football Club. They decided to proudly trade in public as the Brisbane Lions. Their home base remained in Queensland at the spacious Gabba stadium.

Former Bears coach John Northey was chosen to coach the combined team. The squad adopted Fitzroy's bold lion logo, maroon colours, and traditional theme song. Three Fitzroy leaders joined the board, including champion player Laurie Serafini. Eight players from the old Fitzroy list were chosen to join Brisbane. These included captain Brad Boyd alongside future stars Chris Johnson and Jarrod Molloy. Reliable athletes John Barker, Shane Clayton, and Scott Bamford also joined. Young runners Nick Carter and Simon Hawking completed the list of recruits. Fitzroy played their last independent match against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval. The new Brisbane Lions officially launched their exciting sporting adventure on 1 November 1996.

History of the Brisbane Lions in the AFL

Early Steps and Building Strength: 1997–2000

Chart of yearly ladder positions for Brisbane Lions in AFL

The new Lions team surprised many people by reaching finals during 1997. They finished eighth, edging out new rivals Port Adelaide Football Club on percentage. In round two, the team scored an impressive 97-point victory against St Kilda Football Club. They eventually met St Kilda again in an away final, losing after leading. Brisbane remains the only merged club to make finals in their first year. Unfortunately, severe injuries hurt the team during the difficult 1998 season. Both Voss and Boyd missed important playing time because of major injuries. The club fell to the bottom of the ladder and took the wooden spoon. Coach Northey departed the club with eight games left on the schedule.

The team made an inspired decision by hiring legendary Hawthorn player Leigh Matthews. As coach of the Collingwood Football Club, Matthews had won a premiership during 1990. He taught the young Lions strong discipline, mental toughness, and complete teamwork. Matthews made sure everyone respected Fitzroy history by placing historic murals inside the stadium. In the 1999 season, the Lions climbed from sixteenth spot all the way to fourth. Against Fremantle, they kicked twenty-one goals before half-time to set a league record. They won finals against Carlton Football Club and the Western Bulldogs that year. Important draft additions like Luke Power, Simon Black, and Jonathan Brown soon joined. Tough recruits Brad Scott, Mal Michael, and ex-Fitzroy star Martin Pike arrived too.

The Famous Triple Premiership Era: 2001–2004

Michael Voss captained Brisbane to three successive premierships.

The Lions started 2001 with mixed results before facing powerful champions Essendon Football Club. Matthews inspired his players with a famous movie quote before that round ten clash. Brisbane won that game and then completed sixteen straight victories without losing. They marched into the 2001 AFL Grand Final to battle against the Bombers. Essendon led by twenty points, but Brisbane charged back during the third quarter. Forward Alastair Lynch kicked key goals while the midfielders ran with great speed. The Lions won their first premiership trophy with a score of 108 to 82. Hard-working midfielder Shaun Hart received the coveted Norm Smith Medal as best player.

The 2002 campaign saw the Lions win seventeen regular season games in style. They advanced straight to the 2002 AFL Grand Final against traditional powerhouse Collingwood Football Club. The grand final was played on a freezing, rainy day in Melbourne. Ruckman Beau McDonald suffered an early injury, leaving the team short on substitutes. In a tense battle, Brisbane held on to beat the Magpies by nine points.

In the 2003 season, the Lions sought an incredible third consecutive flag. They had lost to Collingwood three weeks earlier and entered the grand final as underdogs. However, the Lions played brilliant football, racing out to an enormous lead. They defeated Collingwood 134 to 84 to complete an amazing premiership hat-trick. Midfielder Simon Black won the Norm Smith Medal after gathering thirty-nine brilliant disposals. In the 2004 season, Brisbane reached their fourth straight grand final after defeating Geelong Football Club. However, Port Adelaide Football Club proved too fast on the day, winning by forty points.

Rebuilding Years and Coaching Changes: 2005–2016

Players training in 2007

Following the golden era, many champion players retired and rebuilding began. The Lions missed finals during the 2005 season after suffering late losses. Injuries severely hurt the club during the 2006 season, setting unwanted games-missed records. In the 2007 season, the squad showed promise, including a win over West Coast Eagles. Leigh Matthews stepped down as senior coach at the conclusion of 2008. Legendary captain Michael Voss returned to take charge as head coach for 2009. That year, the team reached finals and overcame a big deficit against Carlton. They recruited forward Brendan Fevola in 2010, but the team slipped down the ladder.

During 2011, new cross-town rivals the Gold Coast Suns joined the competition. Brisbane faced tough seasons, though fans cheered incredible moments like the Miracle on Grass in 2013. Player Ash McGrath kicked a remarkable goal after the final siren against Geelong. Voss finished his coaching duties later that season after five years at the helm. Simon Black retired that year as an honoured Australian Football Hall of Fame member. Former premiership defender Justin Leppitsch took charge as coach between 2014 and 2016. Jonathan Brown also retired in 2014 after suffering serious head injuries on field. The club endured difficult campaigns, winning only a few games each year.

The Chris Fagan Era Begins: 2017–2022

Coach Chris Fagan

In late 2016, former Hawthorn official Chris Fagan became head coach. The team collected the wooden spoon in 2017, but their effort steadily improved. In 2019, Brisbane enjoyed a massive resurgence, finishing second on the ladder with sixteen wins. They bowed out of finals after close matches against Richmond Football Club and GWS Giants. The team repeated their second-place finish during the pandemic-interrupted 2020 season. They defeated Richmond in a memorable home qualifying final before losing to Geelong.

The 2021 season produced more highlights, including exciting goals by forward Charlie Cameron. Defender Lincoln McCarthy also helped seal a thrilling win against the Eagles. In 2022, Brisbane finished sixth and fought through an exciting finals campaign. Tall forward Joe Daniher kicked a clutch goal to beat Richmond by two points. They then stunned reigning champions Melbourne Football Club before Geelong ended their run.

Recent Grand Finals and Back-to-Back Championships: 2023–2026

The 2023 Grand Final Thriller

Prior to 2023, Brisbane added star midfielder Josh Dunkley and draft sensation Will Ashcroft. Players Lachie Neale and Harris Andrews became inspiring co-captains for the club. The Lions finished second on the ladder and beat Port Adelaide in qualifying finals. They then overcame Carlton in the preliminary final to book a grand final spot. The 2023 AFL Grand Final against Collingwood was an absolute classic match for fans. Brisbane fought hard until the final siren but lost by just four points.

The 2024 Premiership Triumph

The 2024 season started slowly with injuries putting the Lions in thirteenth place. However, the team caught fire, winning nine games straight to finish fifth overall. In the semi-final against GWS, Brisbane trailed by forty-four points before roaring back. They then defeated Geelong at the MCG to reach the grand final once again. Facing the Sydney Swans, the Lions dominated from start to finish to win 120 to 60. Young star Will Ashcroft won the Norm Smith Medal as best player on ground.

Defending the Crown in 2025

In the 2025 season, the Lions finished third on the home-and-away ladder. After dropping a qualifying final to Geelong, they defeated Gold Coast in the semi-final. They then conquered Collingwood by twenty-nine points in an exciting preliminary final battle. Meeting Geelong in the 2025 AFL Grand Final, Brisbane surged ahead with eighteen brilliant goals. They defended their title with a huge 122 to 75 victory. Will Ashcroft made history by winning his second consecutive Norm Smith Medal award.

The Historic 2026 Three-Peat

Entering the 2026 season, the club added West Coast leader Oscar Allen. Dynamic ruckman Sam Draper also joined to bolster the team's strong midfield group. Hugh McCluggage stepped up alongside Dunkley and Andrews as the club's three co-captains. Brisbane reached finals again, defeated Adelaide, and beat Hawthorn in an MCG thriller. In the 2026 AFL Grand Final, the Lions faced Fremantle in a tense contest. Trailing late in the game, Brisbane booted four consecutive goals to win. The 96 to 89 victory secured the club's second historic three-peat dynasty.

Club Culture, Identity, and Fans

Emblems, Uniforms, and Mascot

Brisbane's Story Bridge in the colours of the Lions, 2016

The Fitzroy passant lion became the emblem of the Brisbane Lions.

The Brisbane Lions wear maroon, navy blue, and gold during their home matches. Their primary jumper features the historic golden Fitzroy lion walking across the front. Away from home, the team often wears a red version honouring Fitzroy's colours. When colours clash with opponents, they wear a gold jumper recalling the Bears. The club mascot is an energetic character named Roy the Lion. He is named in honor of Fitzroy fans who were nicknamed Roys. In 2021, the club introduced a popular lioness mascot named Aurora for kids.

The team song is sung with pride and called "The Pride of Brisbane Town". Its music comes from the historic French anthem known as "La Marseillaise". When players kick goals at home, fans sing along to special popular songs. Supporters especially love singing along loudly when forward Charlie Cameron scores exciting goals.

Grounds and Facilities

A 2019 match between Brisbane and the Sydney Swans at the Gabba, Brisbane's home ground

Springfield Central Stadium serves as both the training base of the Brisbane Lions and the home ground of Brisbane's AFLW team.

The club has played home games at the famous Gabba ground since 1997. In late 2022, the club moved into a new training headquarters. This fantastic venue is Springfield Central Stadium, located out in the suburb of Ipswich. It features top training facilities, administration offices, and room for thousands of cheering spectators. In future decades, the team will play at the planned Brisbane Stadium.

Victorian Connections and Fitzroy Heritage

Brunswick Street Oval has been called the spiritual home of both Fitzroy and the Brisbane Lions.

Brisbane Lions flag flying over Fitzroy Town Hall during the 2021 finals series

The Lions keep strong bonds with their historical roots back in Melbourne. More than ten thousand dedicated members live and cheer for the club in Victoria. The club visits the historic Brunswick Street Oval following grand final triumphs with trophies. The team also supports local community football clubs in the Fitzroy area. The letters BBFFC appear on player guernseys to celebrate the combined club history.

Fierce Rivals on the Footy Field

Collingwood Magpies

Fitzroy and Collingwood were neighbours who battled for premierships for over a century. The modern rivalry grew stronger after star Nathan Buckley left Brisbane for Collingwood. In 1999, the Lions defeated the Magpies in the last AFL match at Victoria Park. Brisbane also conquered Collingwood during the thrilling 2002 and 2003 Grand Finals. Collingwood won the 2023 title match before Brisbane knocked them out in 2025.

Gold Coast Suns and the QClash

The Lions play their Queensland neighbours, the Gold Coast Suns, twice every single year. This match is called the QClash, and the winning team claims a trophy. The best player on the field receives the prestigious Marcus Ashcroft Medal. Ashcroft was an outstanding player who appeared in over three hundred AFL games. In 2025, the two teams met in their first ever exciting finals battle.

Port Adelaide Power

Both Port Adelaide and the merged Lions entered the national competition in 1997. During the early 2000s, both clubs fought constantly for top position on the ladder. They played against each other in major finals, including the 2004 Grand Final. Their regular games were famously close and decided by just a few points.

AFL Women's Team

Brisbane Lions AFLW team during the 2022 season 7 Grand Final at Springfield Stadium

Captain Breanna Koenen and coach Craig Starcevich hold up the 2023 premiership trophy at Ikon Park.

The Brisbane Lions started their official women's football team for the 2017 season. Former player Craig Starcevich was appointed head coach to lead the talented athletes. Star signings included Tayla Harris alongside powerful forward Sabrina Frederick-Traub. Respected local footballer Emma Zielke was named the first captain of the squad. The team reached grand finals during their first two years in the competition.

In the 2021 grand final, the women won their first championship against Adelaide. Talented stars such as Emily Bates, Ally Anderson, and Dakota Davidson starred. Tough defender Breanna Koenen took over as team captain during the 2022 season. In 2023, the team won their second flag, defeating North Melbourne at Ikon Park. Koenen played brilliantly in defense and was named best player on the ground.

Junior Development and Reserves

Local Brisbane product and Lions captain Harris Andrews was recruited via the club's Academy as a 17 year old.

The Brisbane Lions operate a junior training system called the Lions Academy. Established in 2010, it trains hundreds of boys and girls in sports skills. Talented graduates include current AFL stars Harris Andrews, Eric Hipwood, and Jaspa Fletcher. Other graduates include key defender Jack Payne and running player Keidean Coleman. Top women graduates include Belle Dawes, Sophie Conway, and defender Nat Grider. Athletes from the academy have also played rugby league, including star Kalyn Ponga. The under-18 academy teams contest the challenging Talent League competition against top interstate sides.

The club also runs a reserves team currently playing in the Victorian Football League. This team gives developing players and recovering athletes valuable match practice each week. In earlier seasons, the reserves won championships playing inside the Queensland Australian Football League. They also won multiple titles while competing in the North East Australian Football League.

Honours and Club Achievements

Historical Society at Docklands Stadium, Melbourne, covering the histories and records of Fitzroy, the Bears, and the Brisbane Lions.

Major Club Titles

• Australian Football League Premierships (6): 2001, 2002, 2003, 2024, 2025, 2026
• AFL Women's Premierships (2): 2021, 2023
• North East Australian Football League Titles (4): 2012, 2013, 2017, 2019
• Queensland Australian Football League Reserves Title (1): 2001
• Pre-Season Cup (1): 2013

Hall of Fame Legends

The club honours legendary figures who contributed to Fitzroy, the Bears, and the Lions:

• Haydn Bunton Sr. – Three-time Brownlow Medal winner for Fitzroy
• Kevin Murray – Courageous defender and Fitzroy games record holder
• Michael Voss – Inspiring triple-premiership captain and courageous midfielder
• Garry Wilson – Skilful rover and courageous captain for Fitzroy
• Simon Black – Brownlow Medallist and Norm Smith Medal winner
• Jonathan Brown – Fearless pack-marking forward and three-time premiership champion
• Robert Walls – Coach who led both Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears

See also

In Spanish: Brisbane Lions para niños

• Brisbane Lions players
• Merrett–Murray Medal
• Australian rules football in Queensland
• Sport in Queensland
• Sport in Australia
• Brisbane Broncos