Four Brisbane Lions AFLW players will make their debut in the highly anticipated Round 1 clash between Lions and the Adelaide Crows this Saturday night.
Jordan Zanchetta, Sophie Conway, Arianna Clarke and Gabby Collingwood have all been named in Senior Coach Craig Starcevich’s 21-woman team.
“Jordan has had to wait the extra year for her chance,” Starcevich said.
Zanchetta missed the inaugural AFLW season due to an ACL injury.
“The other three have come out of the under 18 Queensland talent pathway, where they all performed exceptionally well," Starcevich said.
“Now all are ready to play in the big league.”
The selection caps off an incredible 24 hours for Collingwood. Last night she was elevated off the Rookie list to the Senior list after Renee Cowan was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a large medial meniscus tear in her left knee.
“It’s extremely disappointing for Renee,” Starcevich said.
“She had been training so well this pre-season and had a lot to offer in the AFLW. We wish her the best in her recovery.”
Collingwood was selected to replace Cowan on the Senior list, after an impressive performance in the side’s practice match against GWS.
“She is really composed in traffic and makes good decisions,” Starcevich said.
The Lions depart Brisbane tomorrow morning ahead of Saturday night’s clash with the Crows at Norwood Oval.
The match begins at 6.45pm CDT, 6.15pm AEST, and is live on 7mate, Fox Footy and the AFLW App. Live updates will also be the Lions AFLW Twitter.
