With the start of the 2022 NAB AFLW Season just weeks away, the AFL takes a look at where the defending Premiers stand heading into Round 1.
Coach: Craig Starcevich
Captain: Breanna Koenen
2021 best and fairest: Ally Anderson
2021 in a nutshell: Widely under-rated as finals contenders prior to the season, the Lions completed a fairytale run that took them all the way to a maiden premiership. They got off to a fast start, winning three games by wide margins, and were always in the top four before sneaking past Collingwood in the preliminary final and then overpowering the Crows at the Adelaide Oval in the decider. Brisbane built its game on relentless pressure and numbers around the contest. That had a versatile, high-scoring forward line, an even midfield, and a backline the envy of many, led by All-Australian Kate Lutkins.
Full squad: Ally Anderson, Emily Bates, Greta Bodey, Shannon Campbell, Gabby Collingwood, Sophie Conway, Dakota Davidson, Belle Dawes, Jade Ellenger, Zimmie Farquharson, Nat Grider, Maggie Harmer, Tahlia Hickie, Courtney Hodder, Breanna Koenen, Kate Lutkins, Maria Moloney, Phoebe Monahan, Orla O'Dwyer, Mikayla Pauga, Lucinda Pullar, Bella Smith, Taylor Smith, Cathy Svarc, Ruby Svarc, Indy Tahau, Jesse Wardlaw, Sharni Webb, Jess Wuetschner, Luka Yoshida-Martin
Recruits: Phoebe Monahan (delisted free agent, Richmond)
Draftees: Maggie Harmer, Mikayla Pauga, Lucinda Pullar, Bella Smith, Luka Yoshida-Martin
Inactive: Lily Postlethwaite (ACL)
Out: Lauren Arnell, Jessy Keeffe, Rheanne Lugg, Emma Zielke (all retired), Beth Pinchin, Selina Priest, Jordan Zanchetta (delisted)
2022 opponents: West Coast (A), Carlton (H), Gold Coast (A), Geelong (H), Collingwood (H), St Kilda (A), Melbourne (H), Adelaide (A), North Melbourne (H), Richmond (A)
Circle it: You can't look beyond the Grand Final rematch against Adelaide at Norwood Oval. These teams have a great history already and round eight should add another chapter to it.
Player to watch: We saw glimpses of her in the final month of last season, but Indy Tahau should take on an even bigger role in 2022. The teenage defender showed poise beyond her years, is terrific in one-on-one contests, and has plenty of experience in the backline to guide her.
Best NAB AFLW Rising Star chance: Maggie Harmer
2022 prediction: There's no reason the Lions won't be pushing for the top four again. They have a friendly draw in the first month, and despite losing Emma Zielke and Lauren Arnell to retirement, have an extremely young squad that has plenty of organic growth if they work hard enough. Home matches 90 minutes north of Brisbane at Maroochydore is something new to contend with, as is the fact Brisbane will now have a target on its back for the first time in its history.
