The Brisbane Lions will head into Season 7 with an extra pep in their step after a confident 26-point win over St Kilda at RSEA Park on Friday.
Despite the wet and slippery conditions, the Lions chipped away at the Saints to lock away the 16 to 42 win ahead of Round 1 in two weeks.
Brisbane Lions AFLW Captain Bre Koenen said that it was a great opportunity to test the team ahead of Round 1.
“We’re obviously still working on things but to see the pieces start to come together today is really positive,” Koenen said.
“The next few weeks we’ll be focusing on continual improvement. We’re looking really good in the first half out of the back and hopefully we can just link up a little better down the field to convert some of the scoring opportunities.
“There’s plenty of work still to do and we’ve still got a few players coming back and finding form, so we’re just focusing on continuing to develop towards Round 1.”
Setting the pace from the get-go with a clever snap from Greta Bodey to kick off the first quarter, the Lions kept the Saints at arms-length for much of the match.
Belle Dawes and Cathy Svarc brought their trademark pressure and physicality to Moorabbin to run riot through the midfield and forward 50, with Svarc even finding a goal of her own early in the second quarter.
The 30-year-old was one of five Lions to hit the scoreboard on Friday afternoon, with Bodey, Emily Bates, Dakota Davidson and Luka Yoshida-Martin all finding goals throughout the afternoon.
New recruit Ella Smith showed glimpses of her talent as she found her feet in her first official practice match for the Club.
While former Sun Dee Heslop and returning Lion Lily Postlethwaite looked at home in the defensive unit as they worked with Koenen, Nat Grider and Phoebe Monahan to keep the Saints at bay.
The Lions will now turn their focus towards Round 1 where they will face Fremantle at the Gabba on Sunday August 28.
“Some of my favourite memories playing with the Lions have been at the Gabba in front of a home crowd,” Koenen said.
“Having out members and fans there with us is more important than anything and hopefully we can get a good home crowd to the Gabba for Round 1 against a tough Fremantle opposition.”
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Best: Emily Bates, Bre Koenen, Belle Dawes, Phoebe Monahan, Nat Grider, Jade Ellenger
Goals: Dakota Davidson (2), Greta Bodey, Cathy Svarc, Luka Yoshida-Martin, Emily Bates
