AFL Lions eyeing the Kangaroos

A new rivalry is brewing in the AFL as the Kangaroos begin to muscle their way into the Lions' den in south-east Queensland.

The Melbourne-based club will play 10 games on the Gold Coast over the next three seasons and the Lions are watching their new neighbours' every move.

The Kangaroos received a warm welcome when the two teams rubbed shoulders at an official season launch on the Gold Coast yesterday.

The southerners have been on the coast all week trying to win over new fans, but coach Dean Laidley says they are not here to tread on the Lions' toes. "We want people who probably aren't supporting brisbane to support us, people who've moved up from southern states or people who've lived here and find a real interest in the game," he said.

Kangaroo players have even gone to schools to spread the word that they are in town and ready to compete.