colours brisbane lions

Colours of the Brisbane Lions: Unveiling Their Vibrant AFL Flair

By Olivia RobinsonMarch 26, 2026

The Lions, Brisbane's premier AFL club, have generated a lot of buzz around their vibrant team colours. As fans pack The Gabba, the sight and pride of these colours are undeniable. But what do these colours represent, and how have they evolved over time?

Let's embark on a journey into the world of the Brisbane Lions' colours, exploring their past, present, and future.

The Origin Story: Maroon and Gold

The early days of the Brisbane Bears,merged to form the Brisbane Lions, were marked by a union of two prominent Queensland colours: maroon and gold.

Maroon, a nod to the state's rugby league side, the Queensland Maroons, was a bold choice. It symbolized strength, power, and an unyielding spirit. Meanwhile, gold, inspired by the rugby league team, the Brisbane Rugby League, represented success and triumph.

Harking Back to Tradition

When the Brisbane Bears merged with the Fitzgerald Gymnasium Kangaroos in 1996 to form the Brisbane Lions, they aimed to honor both clubs' histories. The maroon and gold kit remembering the Bears, while the lion crest paid homage to the Kangaroos.

three men in maroon and blue uniforms are holding their hands together

a paper cut out of a lion's head on a blue background

Fans welcomed this fusion of historic club colours, creating solidarity among followers of the former Bears and Kangaroos, now united under the Lions banner.

Redesigning a Classic

In 2005, the Lions introduced a revised design, featuring darker shades of maroon and gold, with a more prominent lion crest. Though controversial initially, this change became a beacon of evolution and progress within the club.

This revamped look caught the eye of fans and aficiandos alike, marking a new chapter in the club's history.

an afl logo on a red background with the words bison lions in blue and yellow

a painting of a lion wearing a jersey and holding a football in one hand while running with the ball

a man is running on the field with his arms outstretched

the lions logo is on top of a blue, red and purple banner with white lettering

Present Day Colours: A Modern Maroon and Gold

In 2017, the Lions unveiled a contemporary look, stripping back the design to a bold, simplified maroon and gold jersey. This return to roots was embraced by fans, hungry for a confident, courageous Zion, which the club had envisioned with the rebrand.

The new jersey, featuring a stylized lion,"signifies a team on the prowl, ready to dominate" its domain, proclaiming an ambitious, driven spirit.

Celebrating the fans with Heritage Round

In 2019, the Lions introduced Heritage Round, paying homage to its predecessors -- the Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy. A throwback to the iconic purple and gold of the Bears and the royal blue and red of Fitzroy was painted onto the field, and players wore replica uniforms.

This initiative engaged the community, celebrating its rich history while fostering a sense of belonging among fans of different eras.

Innovating for the Way Forward

The Lions continue to balance respect for their past with a forward-thinking approach to their image. Their 2021 jersey, while staying true to the maroon and gold, features sleek, modern lines and minimalist design.

This demonstrates the club's aptitude for progression, always striving to push boundaries while holding onto their roots.

With a legacy defined by courage, resilience, and determination, the Lions' colours serve as a banner for their fans to rally behind. As we look ahead, we can anticipate many more innovative, exciting iterations of the iconic maroon and gold.