Fans cheer on Brisbane Lions at final home training session

More than 1000 fans have gathered to cheer on the Brisbane Lions in their final home training run before they head to Melbourne for Saturday’s AFL Grand Final.

Kai Lohmann greets fans at Springfield. Picture: Lachie Millard

More than 1000 fans have gathered to cheer on the Brisbane Lions in their final home training run before they head to Melbourne for Saturday’s AFL Grand Final.

The Lions faithful packed Brighton Homes Arena at Springfield Lakes on Tuesday, wearing maroon, blue and gold as the players took to the field.

Sunshine Coast fan Dianne Murphy made herself earrings and decorated her nails.

“(I) hope they last for the Grand Final,” she said.

Fans flock to Brighton Homes Arena to watch the Lions final home training session before heading to Melbourne for the grand final. Picture: Lachie Millard

The Palmwoods woman drove more than hours with her husband Bob to cheer for the team.

“We’re flying down on Thursday to the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground),” she said.

Lions coach Chris Fagan signs autographs for fans. Picture: Lachie Millard

“We just love the Lions. We’re really so excited that they made it. They’ve done really well to get to this stage. We’ll be loud and proud.”

The couple booked the flights and accommodation for the AFL weekend eight months ago.

“We’re just so proud of them,” she said.

Lions fans Taylor Fletcher, 15, Sinead Slape, 15, and Sara Murray, 16. Picture Lachie Millard

Tracey Fletcher and Jen Slape also planned a big weekend with three other families.

“It’s going to be a long way, but we’re heading down to watch the Grand Final,” Ms Fletcher said.

“We booked the flights and the accommodation a couple of months ago. We’ll go down on Friday morning. We’ll go straight to the Grand Final parade, and then we’ll go watch the captain’s run at the MCG.”

Lachie Neale on the field at Brighton Homes Arena. Picture: Lachie Millard

Ms Fletcher said her best Lions moments were having interactions with the players in person.

“We were at the grand final last year. It was really disappointing, but we’re very proud of the boys,” she said. “I reckon we could go one better this year.”

Mary-Beth Wylie, 13, said her family planned a road trip for the weekend, but the plan was smashed because of ticketing issues.

Charlie Cameron signs a footy for five-year-old Hunter Ward. Picture: Lachie Millard

“We didn’t get in in time to put in the ballot for the ticket,” she said.

Her mother Kelly said they made the decision when the Lions took over Geelong Cats in the preliminary final.

“When they won on Saturday, we’re like, ‘we should go there’,” she said.

“They’re sold out, so we’re going to watch it at home. We’re going to put a TV outside and get snacks and have a big party. It’s going to be great.”

Cam Rayner with Lions fans at Brighton Homes Arena. Picture: Lachie Millard