The Brisbane Lions have signed Jade Pregelj from the Gold Coast SUNS as a delisted free agent for the 2023 AFLW season.

A strong-bodied defender, Pregelj is expected to add experience and leadership to the Lions’ backline.

The 31-year-old Queensland product was one of the SUNS foundation AFLW players recruited in 2019, playing 19 games across four seasons, and finished second-place in their 2020 Best and Fairest.

Pregelj was also named in the All-Australian squad of 40 in 2020.

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Jade Pregelj: Feels like a Homecoming

Jade Pregeli's no stranger to her new teammates at the Lions, having played junior football with a lot of them. We're super excited to welcome Jade to the Den in 2023.

Before her AFLW career, Pregelj was a highly touted junior who represented Queensland on several occasions during 2007-2011 and mastered her craft playing for the former Logan City Cobras, winning five straight women’s state league premierships.

Pregelj balances her footy with her commitments to the Australian Defence Force where she serves in the Australian Army as part of the Land Warfare Centre at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra.

“We are thrilled to have Jade join us for the 2023 season,” said Brisbane Lions AFLW Head Coach, Craig Starcevich.

“We believe her toughness will fit nicely into our defensive unit and complement the pieces we already have.

“She is someone who will bring a unique skillset, reads the play well, is a quality intercept mark and has an incredibly competitive nature, which is an exciting addition to our team.

“Welcome to the Den, Jade”