The defending Premiers will head into the 2022 NAB AFLW season with a confidence booster under their belt after a solid 61-point win over the Gold Coast Suns in Friday evening’s practice match.

And if that performance is anything to go by, AFLW Head Coach Craig Starcevich will have a selection headache on his hands come Round 1.

With contributors to the Lions’ offensive and defensive efforts spread evenly across the squad throughout the match, Starcevich said that it’s a good problem to have.

“It’s nice to have selection headaches all over the ground,” Starcevich said.

“There were some really good contributions from new and developing players which was good to see."

"Phoebe [Monahan] and Lulu [Pullar] were both good in defence tonight, Ruby [Svarc] on the wing, Gabby [Collingwood] in her first game back in over 12 months, and Zimmie [Farquharson] was also good as a hybrid half forward.”

“It’s still only a practice match, but because we’ve had such a long pre-season, it’s just nice to play an opponent and gauge where you’re at.”

“There’s a lot of things that we need to iron out but on the whole, I’m pleased with tonight.”

The Lions’ reliable defence stood tall once again, holding the Suns scoreless for nearly three quarters of the game while they built a steady lead.

Captain Bre Koenen led from the front, alongside lockdown defenders Kate Lutkins, Ally Anderson and Shannon Campbell to restrict the Suns to just one goal and two behinds all evening.

Off-season recruit Phoebe Monahan slotted right into the Lions’ defensive half, showcasing her experience and talent in several passages of play ahead of her 5th AFLW season.

02:38

Catching up with Phoebe Monahan

AFLW player Phoebe Monahan finally joins the team after being down in Melbourne for the first few weeks of preseason. Lions.com.au catch up with her to see how she is going.

Seven players contributed to the Lions’ nine goals, including three from Lions Academy product Farquharson.

2021 draftee Luka Yoshida-Martin showed plenty of promise in front of goal, getting amongst the action in the forward 50 to put away her first as a Lion.

Greta Bodey wreacked havoc for Suns defenders as she got involved in several scoring chains throughout the match. While key defender Lutkins and midfielder Jade Ellenger also managed to get up forward and snag a goal apiece.

The Brisbane Lions will open their 2022 NAB AFLW Season on Sunday January 9 in Perth against West Coast, before returning to Queensland for their first home game on Saturday January 15 against Carlton.

Get up to date with all the match information of our first clash at home in Round 2 including ticketing information and game day details on our match day hub here.