The Brisbane Lions are excited to announce Breanna Koenen will captain the Club for the 2023 NAB AFLW Season.
The 27-year-old premiership defender will be joined by Nat Grider who will reassume her position as vice-captain of the Lions AFLW side.
Koenen will lead the Lions for the third consecutive season following her first All-Australian selection in 2022 where she was named as vice-captain.
The defender became the first Lions’ captain to be named as an All-Australian since Jonathan Brown in 2009.
“It’s a huge honour to be backed by my teammates again this season,” Koenen said.
“I am very excited about this group and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Koenen will be supported by vice-captain Grider who is also coming off an incredible 2022 where she was named as an All-Australian in both seasons.
Another of the Lions 2021 premiership players, the 22-year-old was also selected for the 2022 AFLPA 22under22 team capping off a stellar year.
Brisbane Lions AFLW coach Craig Starcevich believes that after two seasons both players are coming into their own as leaders.
“Bre had a great second season as captain in season 7, growing as a leader and earning All Australian selection,” Starcevich said.
“She has a really strong off-field connection with the playing group and is courageous and inspiring on match day, traits held in high regard by everyone at our club.
“Nat’s off-field professionalism and aggressive game style are behaviours her teammates admire and are drawn to.
“She too had an outstanding year earning All Australian honours alongside developing her leadership skills.
“With their complementary styles of leading we feel the playing group are in exceptional hands with Bre, Nat, and the extended leadership team for 2023.”
The Club will announce the leadership group in the coming days.
