Brisbane Lions AFLW senior coach Craig Starcevich will further write his name into the game’s history books on Saturday when his team meets with Melbourne.

Starcevich will become the first AFLW coach to notch up 75^th games when the Lions host the Demons in a Grand Final re-match at Brighton Homes Arena. 

It will be a history-making milestone for the 2021 premiership-winning coach, but in true Starcevich fashion he is deflecting the spotlight.

Starcevich wants the focus to be on his team bouncing back from last weekend’s disappointing loss to St Kilda with a proud performance against Melbourne and building momentum heading into finals.

Though while respecting her former coach’s wishes, Lions AFLW premiership captain Emma Zielke knows it’s too special of an achievement not to applaud. 

Zielke spoke of the influence Starcevich has had on her as a person and player, a sentiment shared by many that have been coached by the former Brisbane Bears and Collingwood player. 

“I’ve had the privilege of being coached by Craig and working closely with him in the leadership group throughout my playing career and now since retiring and moving into coaching,” Zielke said.

“Craig has taught me a lot about the game, the value of bringing a team together and working towards a common goal and helped me learn and grow as a leader overtime.

“I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be the person I am without the guidance Craig has given me over the years.

“I am grateful for his mentorship and friendship we now have and the bond that we will share for life from winning our premiership in 2021.”

Starcevich, who has only missed one game in his seven years at the helm, is one of only two coaches from the inaugural AFLW season who has remained with his original Club - the other being Melbourne coach Mick Stinear.