Kate Lutkins will make her AFLW return this Sunday when the Brisbane Lions face Essendon at the Moreton Bay Sports Complex.

The 2021 Premiership defender’s return comes after an extraordinary recovery from an ACL injury sustained in January this year, with Lutkins passing all relevant assessments earlier this week to become available for selection in the Round 6 clash.

The veteran defender returned to full training two months ago, with her recovery overseen by a multidisciplinary team, including her surgeon, Brisbane Lions High Performance staff, physios and doctors.

Second-year player Lulu Pullar (omitted) makes way for Lutkins to return to Craig Starcevich’s Best 21 this weekend.

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Wardlaw Cleans Up The Goal Square

Jesse soccers through

Jesse Wardlaw will return to the Lions’ forward line-up this weekend, after missing the side’s Round 5 meeting against Richmond due to illness.

The Brisbane Lions will play Essendon at the Moreton Bay Sports Complex at 12:10PM on Sunday October 2.  

Get across everything you need to know about Sunday's game in our AFLW Game Day Guide.

Entry to Sunday’s match is free for all attendees, so be sure to head down to Burpengary and get behind the Lions.

Can’t make it to the game? You can catch all the action on 7mate.