The annual 2km time trial heralded the start of the Brisbane Lions AFLW pre-season on Monday night as the squad prepares for the 2023 NAB AFLW Season.
A blistering Orla O’Dwyer shaved 18 seconds off her own personal best time and the Club record to take out the time trial as the Lions were put to the test over five laps of the Queensland State Athletics Centre track.
“A lot of us have worked hard in the off-season over the past couple of months with our running,” O’Dwyer said.
“You’re always happy to get a PB, it is a nice feeling and just shows that the works pays off.
“Also, a lot of girls were able to get PB’s which is great to see and it’s a good steppingstone.
“That’s the first one in the bank and I’m sure there will be lots more testing to come this week.”
A total of six personal bests were logged on the night, thrilling Lions Women’s High-Performance Manager, Matt Green who says it sets up for an exciting for the season ahead.
“Orla is always a good runner but for her to go better again this year and set a new club record that was incredible to see,” he said.
“She has been working hard on her running; it’s one of her great weapons but to see her go better again is fantastic.
“Some more usual suspects Nat (Grider) and Sophie (Conway) did PB’s again and took their running power to another level which was awesome.
“Ally (Anderson) was amazing, she’s worked really hard in the off season and was rewarded with a big, big PB, which is a testament to her hard work.
“Lily (Postlethwaite) is obviously coming off the back of her second ACL but again she had a massive PB and she is definitely deserving of that.”
Reigning AFLW best and fairest medallist Anderson was the biggest improver, taking a whopping 30 seconds off her personal best and showing why she will be a force to be reckoned with come September.
Sophie Conway was second across the line and knocked 14 seconds from her best mark.
Jade Ellenger ran 17 seconds faster than her top time from prior time trials.
Lily Postlethwaite also showed early signs that she is ready to go with a 29 second personal best off the back of her ACL rehabilitation process over the past nine months.
Nat Grider took five seconds off her previous best in encouraging signs for the back-to-back All Australian.
The Lions will now begin their field sessions as they work towards Round One of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season which is scheduled to start in the first weekend of September.
