Founder & President of Brisbane Lions Fan Club
My love affair with the Brisbane Lions began when I was just seven years old. Every Saturday during footy season, Dad would wake me up early, pack our thermos of hot chocolate, and we'd make the pilgrimage to the Gabba together. Those weekend adventures weren't just about watching football โ they were about belonging to something bigger than ourselves.
I still remember the goosebumps from my first game in 2001, watching Nigel Lappin weave through traffic and Jonathan Brown take those fearless marks. Dad would explain every play, every rule, and most importantly, every reason why the Lions were special. "They're not just a team," he'd say, "they're our community."
Through the glory years of the three-peat (2001-2003) and the challenging rebuilding seasons that followed, our Saturday tradition never wavered. Rain or shine, win or lose, we were there. Dad taught me that true support isn't conditional on success โ it's about showing up for your team through every season.
Following in Dad's footsteps, Sarah now brings her own children to games, continuing the generational love for the Lions.
Organizes school visits with Lions players and runs footy clinics for kids in disadvantaged communities.
Coordinates match day activities, organizes away game buses, and helps new fans feel welcome at the Gabba.
"The Brisbane Lions taught me that loyalty isn't about winning โ it's about showing up. They taught me that community isn't just about geography โ it's about shared passion. And most importantly, they taught me that some of life's greatest lessons come from watching 22 people chase a leather ball around a field with 50,000 of your closest friends cheering them on.โ Sarah Mitchell
This fan club isn't just about football. It's about carrying forward the values Dad instilled in me: unwavering support, genuine community, and the belief that together, we roar louder than we ever could alone."
Every fan has a unique journey. We'd love to hear yours and celebrate what makes our Lions community so special.