Victorian-based Lions members and supporters are already big winners following the release of the 2009 AFL fixture last Friday with seven matches scheduled in Victoria for next season.

The Lions will play three matches at the MCG including a Collingwood - Essendon double-header blockbuster in Rounds 18-19; three at Telstra Dome including a St Kilda - North Melbourne double-header in Round 9-10 and one at Geelong's Skilled Stadium.

"We were thrilled to be granted seven matches in Victoria so our members can see the boys live more often in their own State," Lions Chief Executive Michael Bowers said.

The Lions will face the West Coast Eagles at the Gabba in the season opener before heading to Melbourne for the first time as early as Round 2 to tackle Carlton.

"We specifically requested an earlier game to be scheduled in Victoria from the AFL, so we are really pleased to be playing the Blues at Telstra Dome in Round 2," Mr Bowers said.

Victorian Lions members will also be buoyed by the chance to see their team take on AFL powerhouses Collingwood, Essendon and Richmond at the MCG.

The Lions' three regular season visits to the MCG are the most for the Club in ten years.

"We are one of only a couple of legitimate two-town teams in the AFL and our link with Victoria and Fitzroy is a vitally important part of our Club's history and our future," Mr Bowers said.

The Club's Victorian fan base will again enjoy seeing the Lions' Victorian guernsey which features Fitzroy's final 1996 red and blue colours with a gold Lion emblem for all seven games in the Southern State.

Two overriding issues stemming from a survey conducted among Victorian-based Lions members earlier this season highlighted their need for better fixturing of away matches and more value in their Victorian membership packages.

The Club has since taken direct measures to ensure that these requests are being closely addressed.

"The Club has spent a great deal of time researching and developing a new Victorian membership package for 2009 which we feel more accurately represents the football needs of our loyal fans down South," Mr Bowers said.

In addition to the regular Lions Victorian membership, the Club has introduced a new Lions Victorian Membership with AFL entry rights which is now for sale.

LIONS VICTORIAN MEMBERSHIP WITH AFL ENTRY RIGHTS

This package includes the following benefits:

· Entry to 6 Lions games at the MCG and Telstra Dome during the regular season

· Entry to 5 additional MCG games during the regular season NOT involving the Lions, excluding the ANZAC Day AFL match

· Entry to 5 Lions games at the Gabba during the regular season

· Access to Level 1 Telstra Dome reserved seating at a reduced price in the AFL Members Reserve for games involving the Lions

· Option to upgrade to a September Member and be guaranteed an AFL Grand Final ticket should the Lions participate

· Free entry to the MCG's AFL Members Reserve for Weeks 1-2 of the AFL Finals in Melbourne should the Lions participate, with the option to upgrade to a reserved seat at a reduced price

· Access to purchase AFL Finals tickets for Weeks 3-4 subject to Club participation and availability

· Free entry to all NAB Cup pre-season matches including the Finals

· Access to purchase guest passes into the AFL Members Reserve

· Access to purchase General Admission tickets to International Cricket matches at the MCG in the AFL Members Reserve in 2009

· Membership card, card wallet, lanyard, sticker and fixture magnet

· Wallet-sized season fixture card and full member medallion keyring

· Puma members-only cap (to be collected)

· Season Guide, Season Review and two Lions Tale magazine editions (one per household)

· Merchandise discount vouchers

· Electronic birthday card with merchandise offer

· Weekly Club email updates, offers and Senior Coach media conference transcripts during the AFL season

· Opportunities to meet the players at after-match functions

· Victorian ticketing handbook

· Full voting rights (if aged 18 or over)

· Theme park entry discounts at Lions Family Fun Days

· Access to the Gabba's members-only bar and dining facilities on match-days

· Lions Den social club membership @ Chalk Hotel, Woolloongabba, Brisbane (if aged 18 or over)

· Free public transport to and from the Gabba on QR CityTrains and Brisbane City Council buses on match-days

Full information on all Lions Victorian membership packages is now available in the Club's 2009 Membership Information booklet which is due to arrive in your mailbox next week.

Please call our Membership Department on 1800 216 885 or email membership@lions.com.au if you have any queries or visit www.lions.com.au to preview our 2009 membership packages online.