Resurgent Lions to roar in Toowoomba
AUSSIE RULES: Toowoomba is set to receive a boost ahead of the AFL season, with a number of special guests set to make their way to the Garden City.
Players from the Brisbane Lions men’s squad will spend two days in Toowoomba from Monday as part of the AFL Community Camps program, which sees all 18 clubs get out into regional areas in the lead-up to the new season.
Players who will make the trip are set to be confirmed following on from the Lions trial match in Moreton Bay against Port Adelaide as part of the Marsh Community Series.
AFL Darling Downs game development manager Jeff Neumann said it was another prime opportunity for players in Toowoomba to get the chance to rub shoulders with the game’s elite talent.
“Players will be coming out to visit both local schools and the community,” Neumann said.
“A public event will take place through the Auskick Party which will allow people the chance to meet some of their favourite Lions players.
“These camps are always well received. The opportunity for kids to get up close to the elite athletes, can inspire them to try and get to that top level.”
The visit comes at a time when Brisbane is flying in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
The men are coming off their best season since 2004, while the women have started their AFLW season with two wins from as many games.
“With the Lions going so well across both the men and women over the past 24 months, kids have had the chance to see them on telly, now they can see them up close,” Neumann said.
“It’s a great kickstart to the season and really helps to ignite the passion in footy ahead of the 2020 season, and the end goal is to get more boys and girls playing club football.”
Neumann said a jampacked schedule would incorporate not only players, but coaches as well.
“On Monday and Tuesday there will be school visits across the Toowoomba city area and we’ll try and fit as many primary and secondary schools as we can,” he said.
“Then from 4-6pm at Civic Square on Monday, the public will get the chance to meet the Lions.
“There will also be something for coaches on Tuesday which might inspire the next coach too.”
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