Brisbane Lions now loom as a destination club as wins mount and Gabba attendances rise

Not so long ago the Brisbane Lions were in financial strife and languishing on the bottom rungs of the AFL table. But now that they’re winning, they’re cashing in off the field — and set to prosper on it.

Luke Hodge and Josh Walker after Saturday’s win. Pic: AAP

Brisbane will secure an extra financial windfall of over $1 million from its on-field fortunes as it moves to re-sign its off-field staff, including football boss David Noble.

The club’s membership is its highest in 15 years and home attendances have increased by over 5000 with a likely 36,000-seat sellout to come against Geelong in Round 23.

A club that once couldn’t stem the bleeding with a player exodus has now re-signed every priority target and is moving onto its off-field team.

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Having lost $231,000 last season they will shore up their financial position with average crowds up from 18,406 to 23,522 with three Gabba games remaining.

Noble has been identified as a coach-in-waiting given the club’s success but will soon extend his contract, with all assistant coaches to be locked away on new deals.

Stef Martin (right) is loving life with the Lions and has just signed a new deal. Pic: AAP

Lions chief executive Greg Swann has now been at the club for five years and will stay on as the club starts to make significant ground after early struggles.

The Lions also have the capacity for another aggressive recruiting haul after securing Brownlow Medal contender Lachie Neale, Jarryd Lyons, Marcus Adams and Lincoln McCarthy.

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They have Collingwood’s first selection — currently 13 — after the Dayne Beams trade and Gold Coast’s second pick — currently 19 — after a swap last October.

An array of player managers have made it clear Brisbane is now a destination club given their style of play and culture under coach Chris Fagan.

Things are looking up for Lions chief Greg Swann. Pic: AAP

Dayne Zorko at the Lions recovery session on Monday. Pic: AAP

In Round 18 when the Lions knocked off North Melbourne with a late, contentious free kick in front of 23,833 fans their attendance was bigger than the Brisbane Broncos crowd two nights earlier.

Brisbane chief executive Greg Swann told the Herald Sun there was no doubt the club’s style of play was attractive to fans.

“We are making some inroads. There is no question winning is keeping fans happy but we do play a brand of football and we like to score, so the fans have received that well.

“Stef Martin has just signed this week and we can just keep going back to the draft.

“But with list management we have got a few that are keen to come, so that is always a good sign.”

The Lions current membership is 27,712 ahead of next week’s official cut-off.

Originally published as Brisbane Lions now loom as a destination club as wins mount and Gabba attendances rise