The Brisbane Lions Football Club was born on July 4, 1996, as the result of an historic merger between two AFL clubs: the Fitzroy Lions and the Brisbane Bears. This merger was unique, as it marked the first time two teams combined in AFL history. Fitzroy brought over a century of tradition as a foundation club of the Victorian Football League (VFL), while the Brisbane Bears represented a newer entity, established in 1987, striving to make their mark on the national stage. Together, they formed a new entity that would go on to become one of the most successful AFL clubs of the early 2000s.

The Legacy of Fitzroy

Fitzroy, founded in 1883, quickly became a powerhouse in the VFL, winning their first premiership in 1898. Over the following decades, Fitzroy secured a total of eight premierships, the last of which came in 1944. The club was renowned for producing some of the game’s greatest players, such as Haydn Bunton Sr., a three-time Brownlow Medalist, and Kevin Murray, another Brownlow winner who became a symbol of the club’s resilience and grit.

In the years leading up to the merger, however, Fitzroy’s fortunes had dramatically declined. Financial difficulties plagued the club throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and despite some brief on-field success, Fitzroy was forced to merge or face extinction. The merger with the Brisbane Bears offered a lifeline to preserve the club’s legacy, colors, and history within the newly formed Brisbane Lions.

The Brisbane Bears’ Journey

The Brisbane Bears, established in 1987, were part of the AFL’s push to expand the competition beyond its Victorian roots. However, their early years were marred by poor on-field performance and instability off the field. Initially based on the Gold Coast, the Bears struggled to attract a loyal fanbase and quickly earned the unflattering nickname “The Carrara Koalas” due to their home ground at Carrara Stadium.

The turning point for the Bears came in 1993 when they relocated to Brisbane and began playing their home games at the Gabba. Under the leadership of captain Roger Merrett, and with the emergence of players like Brad Hardie and Michael McLean, the club began to improve. In 1995, the Bears reached the finals for the first time, signaling that the club was beginning to find its footing in the competition​.

The Merger and Formation of the Lions

By 1996, the AFL orchestrated the merger between the Brisbane Bears and the struggling Fitzroy Lions, ensuring that Fitzroy’s legacy would be preserved in some form. The newly formed Brisbane Lions made their debut in the 1997 AFL season, sporting the maroon and blue colors of Fitzroy, combined with the youthful energy of the Bears. Despite the promise of the merger, the Lions struggled in their first year, finishing at the bottom of the ladder with the wooden spoon. However, the club quickly bounced back in 1999, finishing fourth and making a deep run into the finals under the leadership of newly appointed coach Leigh Matthews​.

The Golden Era: 2001-2004

The early 2000s were a period of unprecedented success for the Brisbane Lions. Under Leigh Matthews, the Lions quickly became a dominant force in the AFL. In 2001, the team embarked on a remarkable 15-game winning streak, which culminated in their first AFL premiership. They defeated reigning premiers Essendon in the grand final, a victory that marked the first time a Queensland-based club had won the AFL premiership.

The Lions continued their dominance in 2002 and 2003, winning back-to-back premierships by defeating Collingwood in both grand finals. The 2002 victory, a hard-fought nine-point win on a rain-soaked day, was followed by a more comfortable 50-point triumph in 2003. During this period, the team was led by a core group of superstar players, including captain Michael Voss, midfielder Simon Black, and forward Jonathan Brown. The Lions became the first club in VFL/AFL history to have three Brownlow Medalists — Voss, Black, and Jason Akermanis — on the same team​.

The 2001-2003 Lions are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in AFL history, not only for their on-field success but also for their physical toughness and mental resilience. Players like Nigel Lappin, Justin Leppitsch, and Chris Johnson embodied the team’s never-say-die attitude. In 2004, the Lions reached their fourth consecutive grand final but were defeated by Port Adelaide. Despite the loss, the Lions’ achievements in the early 2000s remain a benchmark of success in modern AFL​.

Post-Premiership Era and Rebuilding

Following their remarkable run of success, the Brisbane Lions faced a challenging period. The demands of sustained excellence, combined with an aging playing group, led to a decline in on-field performance. Michael Voss, who had captained the team during their premiership years, retired in 2006 and took over as head coach in 2009. Voss led the Lions to the finals in his first season as coach, but the team struggled to maintain consistency in the following years.

The Lions cycled through several coaches and endured several seasons near the bottom of the ladder. However, the appointment of Chris Fagan as head coach in 2017 signaled a new era for the club. Fagan, who had previously worked with Hawthorn, brought a fresh approach focused on youth development and strategic recruitment. Under Fagan’s guidance, the Lions returned to the finals in 2019 and have remained a competitive force since.

The Lions in the AFLW

In 2017, the Brisbane Lions made history again by becoming one of the foundation teams in the AFL Women’s competition. The Lions have quickly established themselves as one of the premier teams in the AFLW, reaching five grand finals and winning premierships in 2021 and 2023. The success of the AFLW team has expanded the club’s fanbase and reinforced its reputation as a leader in both men’s and women’s football.

Recent Years and Future Outlook

The Brisbane Lions’ resurgence in the men’s competition has been fueled by a strong core of players, including Lachie Neale, Harris Andrews, and Hugh McCluggage. The team has consistently featured in finals campaigns since 2019, and although they have not yet added to their premiership tally, the Lions are considered one of the top contenders each year. With a focus on youth development through their academy and continued recruitment, the future looks bright for the Lions as they aim to build on their recent success​.

As the Brisbane Lions continue to build on their rich history, they remain a symbol of resilience, success, and the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines modern Australian Rules Football.