Overview
It's happening again: for the third time in a mere 12 months, the Brisbane Lions are into a grand final. The AFL club's women's team made the last dance in their 2022 season, then the men's did the same in their 2023 season — and now the women's squad is back on the big stage, qualifying for their season decider again this year.
The success of Brisbane's AFLW team over the women's competition's eight-season run to date is phenomenal. When captain Bre Koenen and her fellow footballers run out at Ikon Park in Melbourne on Sunday, December 3, they'll be into their fifth grand final since the AFLW started in 2017. That's a record, and has seen the Lions' women's squad contest the first two grand finals, then win a premiership in 2021, and now make back-to-back deciders in 2022 and 2023. Last year, they didn't emerge victorious — but here's hoping that'll change this year.
Chris Hyde/Getty Images via AFL Photos
Keen to watch along in a crowd right here in Brisbane? South Bank is bringing back a sporting favourite from across the last 12 months, because the River City loves coming out in force to see pivotal games — be it the 2022 Men's World Cup, multiple times during the Women's World Cup, for the Lions' men's team and now for the Lions' women's squad. Yes, it's hosting a live viewing site. Expect to see plenty of maroon, blue and gold again.
Watch Koenen, Ally Anderson, Cathy Svarc, Sophie Conway, Nat Grider, Belle Dawes, Courtney Hodder and more take on North Melbourne from 1.30pm AEST at South Bank's Rainforest Green, with the big-screen coverage running from 12–4pm.
Josh Ryan via Wikimedia Commons
As well as the game, there'll be face painting for kids, a photo wall, merchandise stalls — slinging Lions gear, of course — and giveaways.
If you're an AFL fan, there's no better way to spend the first Sunday in December.
South Bank's Brisbane Lions AFLW Grand Final live viewing site at Rainforest Green will run from 12–4pm on Sunday, December 3 — head to the Lions website for more information.
Top image: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos.