The Brisbane Lions have selected Under 18 All Australian ruck Lauren Bella with their Pick No. 45 at today’s NAB AFLW Draft.

Bella hails from Sarina in North Queensland and is the first person to be drafted from the town into the AFLW or AFL.

The 18-year-old has been waiting patiently for the last two years to come of age to be drafted. She is a former member of the AFLW Academy and has been named in the Under 18 All Australian team two years in a row.

At 17 years old moved down from North Queensland to Brisbane to pursue her football dreams full-time.

Standing at 188cm, Bella has a representative netball background. The skills from netball have helped her with her agility and co-ordination.

Bella plays for Bond in the QWAFL competition and is a former member of the Gold Coast Suns Academy and played for them in the inaugural Winter Series. She was also invited to participate at the AFLW Combine last month. 

The Bella name is famous in rugby league circles, with her uncle Martin Bella, a famous State of Origin player.

Coaches Comment – Craig Starcevich

“Lauren would be the first AFLW draftee to come from Sarina. It’s an unusual place to develop AFL players but it’s a big one for us to have Lauren in the group.

“She’s been the best ruckman in under 18 level in Australia for the last two at least but maybe even three years. She’s been waiting in the wings and itching for the chance at this level.

“Lauren is a great athlete, great competitor and we can’t wait to get her into the group and add something in to our centre bounce work but also ruck work around the ground.”

Welcome to the Den, Lauren!