The AFL has confirmed the fixture for Week One of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series with a VFL QClash penned in for Saturday night at Heritage Bank Stadium.
The SUNS will host the Lions in the First Qualifying Final after securing the club’s first minor premiership last weekend.
In a win for SUNS fans on the Gold Coast, entry to the qualifying final will remain FREE to attend.
It’ll be just the second VFL final hosted at Heritage Bank Stadium following last season’s Elimination Final victory over Box Hill.
The two sides last met in Round 19 at the same venue with the SUNS overcoming a 40-point deficit to secure an 18-point victory. The victor will advance to host a Preliminary Final while the loser will host the winner of Williamstown and Collingwood in Week 2.
AFL Head of State League Competitions Jennie Loughnan said: “We are extremely excited for the 2023 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series to begin following last weekend’s inaugural Wildcard Round which saw the final two spots in the finals decided.
“This weekend’s action features four great matches and is a fantastic way to kick off this year’s finals series where the premiership race looks wide open.
“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to thank all clubs, players, umpires, venues and our broadcast and commercial partners for their tremendous support of the Smithy’s VFL in 2023 and wish all eight clubs the best of luck for the finals.”
Saturday, September 2
First Qualifying Final, Gold Coast Suns (1st) vs. Brisbane Lions (4th)
Heritage Bank Stadium, 6:05pm AEST
Broadcaster: AFL.com.au
