Dakota Davidson will have more than one reason to find a win over Collingwood tomorrow.
The key forward will play her 25th AFLW and Club game in Sunday’s AFLW Qualifying Final.
For the 23-year-old, the milestone is more than just a proud achievement. It’s a reflection of how far she’s come since she was first drafted to the Lions in 2019.
“I had no idea what to expect when I got drafted,” Davidson said.
“I was just this larrikin from Ipswich that loved playing footy.
“I had that first season in 2020 and was just blown away with everything. The training, the fitness, the team.
“I never expected to debut when I did. I thought I’d have a few years before I’d actually get on the pitch and work my way into the team.
“That first season gave me a taste for it, and I knew that I had to step up and take my game to the next level, and that off-season [2021] that’s what I did. I worked hard.”
And the results made the competition sit up and paid attention.
In a breakout year, Davidson averaged 7.5 disposals, 1.4 goals, 2.4 tackles, and 2.9 marks per game, as well as a total 16 goals to be named as the Lions’ leading goalkicker for 2021, asserting herself as one of most commanding key forwards in the competition.
“Craig and Bree had faith in me right from the start when I was playing QWAFL and they’ve moulded me into the AFLW player I am today.
“I don’t think I’d be half the player I am now without the support, drive and sisterhood of my teammates and this team.
“I wouldn’t want to reach this milestone with any other team.”
Although her 2022 season has been a different season for the key forward compared to last, Davidson is nonetheless thrilled to achieve the milestone.
“It’s been a bit of a process to get here this year, especially through injury and time off,” Davidson said.
“It’s crept up on me, but I’m super excited.
“The Club has been a great environment and I couldn’t ask for a better team to play 25 games for.
“And then on top of that, it being a Qualifying Final at the Gabba, how could you not be excited by that!”
The Brisbane Lions will play Collingwood in the AFLW Qualifying Final on Sunday March 27, 12:05PM at The Gabba. There’s still time to grab your ticket HERE.
