SUNS fans will get an early look at their AFL side with Gold Coast today fixtured to play the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium in its opening AFL Community Series pre-season game.

Two rounds of matches will be played over a three-week period this pre-season and the SUNS first feature in week 2 at 6.40pm, Saturday 27 February 2021.

Importantly, the game will be a double-header with the SUNS v Lions Round 5 AFLW clash (4.10pm) also being held at Metricon Stadium. 

SUNS CEO Mark Evans said this would be a great celebration of football in Queensland and a fun day for Gold Coast locals.

“The SUNS and the Lions are two of the most exciting, young teams in the men’s competition and we look forward to this AFL pre-season clash at home,” he said.

“Footy is growing so fast in Queensland so what better way to start our AFL pre-season than with a double-header with our AFLW side at home against quality Lions outfits.”

The SUNS second pre-season AFL game will be on Saturday 6 March at 1:40pm against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval.

“Like the Lions, the Bulldogs are a genuine premiership threat so this will be a good hit-out against a quality opponent away from home,” Evans said.

“We need to keep getting games into this young SUNS AFL group and build cohesion and a road trip to Whitten Oval is a good challenge and one we look forward to.”

Evans called on all SUNS fans to sign up as a SUNS member and enjoy what should be a promising season for both the AFLW and AFL teams. 

Ticketing arrangements for the 2021 AFL Community Series will be advised in due course.