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The Brisbane Lions will defend their AFLW Premiership title from a new home base in 2022, with the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex named as the Club’s home ground for the next AFLW season.

The move, in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council, will see the Club base itself in the region boasting the second largest member and fan base in Queensland outside of metro Brisbane.

Advising that minimising disruption to local football clubs was front of mind in the Lions’ search for a home ground after the start date to the 2022 season was delayed, Brisbane Lions Head of Women’s Football, Breeanna Brock stated “it’s an exciting prospect to call the Sunshine Coast our home this season.

“Our club has strong ties to the region and we can’t wait to bring our exciting brand of football up here.

“When we were considering where to play our games this season, it was really important to us that we found a home ground that caused the least possible disruption to local clubs while also having the capacity to host Finals and that’s exactly what the Maroochydore Sports Complex offers us.

“The facilities at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex offer members, fans and players alike the best possible experience, including easy access, sufficient parking, and an AFL standard quality field.

“The Sunshine Coast has such a rich and passionate football history, and we see this as a great opportunity to play in front of more loyal Lions supporters before we make Springfield our permanent home next season.”

The Sunshine Coast has long been a nursery for Brisbane Lions talent, with plenty of past and present AFL and AFLW players hailing from the region.

AFLW Foundation players Shannon Campbell and Sharni Webb are among those who hail from the Sunshine Coast, while Belle Dawes, Lily Postlethwaite, Maggie Harmer, Bella Smith, Mikayla Pauga all emerged from the Maroochydore Roos program. AFL stars Eric Hipwood and Jack Payne are also from the region.

All parties hope the number will grow in the coming years with the Brisbane Lions Academy firmly entrenched in the region.

Advising that council was excited to be part of the AFLW journey and welcomed the Brisbane Lion’s women’s team to their new home away from home in the region for the League’s 2022 season, Sunshine Coast Councillor, Jason O’Pray commented “we’ve hosted plenty of AFL preseason camps at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex, including the 2021 AFL Premiers the Melbourne Demons, as well as acted as a hub for five teams during the 2020 pandemic so it seems perfectly fitting to welcome the Brisbane Lions women’s team as well.

“The complex underwent a $2.7 million upgrade last year that included construction of a new multi-sport field with hybrid turf plus lighting interchange boxes for players, coaches’ boxes and earth mounds for spectator viewing.

“Hosting AFLW competition fixtures validated the investment and would provide new supplier opportunities for local businesses.

“Council would work closely with local groups to ensure access continues with some schedule changes expected once the AFLW fixtures are known.”

The move will be the team’s fifth home ground in six years, ahead of the Club’s move into a permanent home out at Springfield ahead of the 2023 NAB AFLW season.

Images: The Brisbane Lions will defend their AFLW Premiership at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex next season (top) and the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex from the air (below). Credit: Sunshine Coast Council. 

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