The Brisbane Lions have finalised their AFLW list ahead of Season 7 pre-season starting on Monday, with 17 Lions re-signing with the Club.

The 17 players signed two-year contracts ahead of last season, seeing them committed to returning for the Lions in Season 7.

They join the 11 players who re-signed over the past week, including Foundation Lions Ally Anderson and Sharni Webb, as well as exciting talents Phoebe Monahan, Sophie Conway and Greta Bodey.

Reigning W Medallist and inaugural player Emily Bates headlines the long list of re-signed Lions, following an outstanding 2022 season from the veteran midfielder.

04:44

Lions Legacy: Emily Bates on having a Permanent Home

Moving to Brighton Homes Arena will be a game-changer for our AFLW programs. Having a permanent home that's purpose-built for them to achieve their full potential will be a dream come true, and is something Lions fans can help them achieve.

In a career-best season, Bates was rewarded for her consistency and reliability with the trifecta of major AFLW awards; the W Award, the AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player Award, and the AFL Players’ Association MVP Award.

The 26-year-old will be joined by fellow Foundation Lions Shannon Campbell, Bre Koenen, and Kate Lutkins, with the quartet notching up their seventh AFLW seasons as Lions this year.

Nat Grider and Orla O’Dwyer will look to top their breakout 2022 seasons when they return for the Lions in Season 7.

The pair claimed their first All Australian honours off the back of strong individual performances across the season, with O’Dwyer becoming the first Irishwoman to be awarded the honour in the competition’s history.

Joining them in already having committed for the upcoming season are fan favourites and emerging stars Dakota Davidson, Tahlia Hickie, Cathy Svarc, Taylor Smith, Jade Ellenger, Belle Dawes and Courtney Hodder, alongside young Lions Maggie Harmer, Bella Smith and Mikayla Pauga.

10:39

Emily Bates Crowned Lion Queen

Emily Bates capped off an incredible season by winning the AFLW Best and Fairest Award as her coach Craig Starcevich went wild with his celebration 'shoey'

Exciting midfielder Lily Postlethwaite rounds out the group of committed players, having signed a two-year deal at the end of the 2021 season.

After missing the 2022 season with an ACL injury, Postlethwaite has moved off the Lions inactive list as she looks to return to the elite competition.

The Club will now turn its attention to the upcoming NAB AFLW Draft, where the remaining three places on the AFLW list will be filled.

Pre-season will commence on Monday June 13, ahead of the NAB AFLW Draft on June 29.

Brisbane Lions AFLW Signings:

  • Emily Bates – Season 7 & 8
  • Tahlia Hickie – Season 7 & 8
  • Breanna Koenen – Season 7 & 8
  • Sharni Webb – Season 7
  • Jade Ellenger – Season 7
  • Lily Postlethwaite – Season 7 & 8
  • Gabby Collingwood (inactive) – Season 7
  • Maggie Harmer – Season 7
  • Orla O’Dwyer – Season 7 & 8
  • Nat Grider – Season 7 & 8
  • Phoebe Monahan – Season 7
  • Sophie Conway – Season 7 & 8
  • Kate Lutkins – Season 7 & 8
  • Dakota Davidson – Season 7
  • Greta Bodey – Season 7 & 8
  • Bella Smith – Season 7
  • Belle Dawes – Season 7 & 8
  • Ally Anderson – Season 7 & 8
  • Luka Yoshida-Martin – Season 7
  • Shannon Campbell – Season 7 & 8
  • Courtney Hodder – Season 7 & 8
  • Zimmie Farquharson – Season 7 & 8
  • Lulu Pullar – Season 7 & 8
  • Cathy Svarc – Season 7 & 8
  • Mikayla Pauga – Season 7
  • Ruby Svarc - Season 7
  • Jesse Wardlaw – Season 7 & 8
  • Taylor Smith – Season 7 & 8

Key Dates for Season 7:

  • NAB AFLW Draft 29 June 2022
  • Pre-season commences 13 June 2022
  • Season 7 commences weekend of 25-27 August 2022
  • Finals commences weekend of 4-6 November 2022
  • NAB AFLW Grand Final weekend of 25-27 November 2022