Brisbane Lions to play AFLW Grand Final nemesis Western Bulldogs in cross-conference clash in 2019
BRISBANE will have the opportunity to avenge its Grand Final loss to Western Bulldogs when the two teams meet in a cross-conference clash in the new AFLW season next year. SEE THE LIONS’ FULL FIXTURE
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THE Brisbane Lions will meet the Western Bulldogs in an AFLW Grand Final rematch next February, after the two sides scored a “crossover” match for season 2019.
The Lions and the reigning premiers the Bulldogs were placed in opposite conferences for the new-look AFLW draw, but will still get the chance to face off in the regular season.
Brisbane, who were placed in Conference B and will kick off their season with a home clash against GWS, will also play three “crossover” matches against teams from Conference A.
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This gives them the chance to get revenge on the Bulldogs, who broke their hearts in the 2018 Grand Final — the Lions’ second premiership loss.
The two sides will meet at Victoria University Whitten Oval in Round 4 on February 23.
Outside of the Grand Final rematch, the Lions will host three home games in the seven-week season, including their Round 1 showdown against the Giants at Moreton Bay Sports Complex.
They will also take on Melbourne at Wilston Grange’s Hickey Park in Round 3 and then meet the newly-formed Geelong Cats in Round 5 at Moreton Bay.
Lions Women’s CEO Breeanna Brock said the Lions were embracing the new fixture for season 2019 and were also looking forward to playing in new venues and expanding their brand.
“We are really excited for what’s in store for us next year,” Brock said in a statement.
“We have the opportunity this year to play for the first time at a number of new venues.
“We have the attitude of play anywhere, anytime. We always bring our best game and season three will be no different.
“Our aim is to put ourselves into a position to host an AFLW preliminary final and hopefully have another shot at a Grand Final.”
In next year’s AFLW season, teams will also take part in a preliminary final for the first time, with the top two teams from each conference to play off for the premiership.
LIONS AFLW 2019 DRAW
Round 1 v Greater Western Sydney
Sunday February 3, Moreton Bay Sports Complex
Round 2 v Fremantle
Sunday February 10, Fremantle Oval
Round 3 v Melbourne
Sunday February 17, Hickey Park
Round 4 v Western Bulldogs
Saturday February 23, Whitten Oval
Round 5 v Geelong
Saturday March 2, Moreton Bay Sports Complex
Round 6 v Carlton
Sunday March 10, Ikon Park
Round 7 v Collingwood
Sunday March 17, Victoria Park
Originally published as Brisbane Lions to play AFLW Grand Final nemesis Western Bulldogs in cross-conference clash in 2019