Jade Ellenger will run out in Sunday’s 2023 AFLW Grand Final for her 50th appearance in a Brisbane Lions guernsey and is no stranger to the big stage.
A 2021 premiership player and mainstay in senior coach Craig Starcevich’s side, Ellenger celebrated her 25th game milestone at the MCG in the Lions Preliminary Final against Melbourne in 2022.
A key cog in the Lions charge toward this season’s Grand Final, Ellenger is known amongst the playing group for her energy both on and off the field.
Many of the Lions playing group have grown up playing junior football together, but for Ellenger’s teammate and housemate, Ellie Hampson this milestone is a special one.
“She has taken her game to the next level this year, she is both a leader on and off the field and has played an enormous role in our success this year,” Hampson said.
“We’ve played a lot of football together through junior representative teams and now at the AFLW level.
“She has been an enormous part of my journey as not only a footballer but a person and to see her run out on Sunday playing her 50th game is amazing.”
Drafted in 2019, the Brisbane Lions Academy graduate didn’t cement her place in the Lions’ lineup until the 2021 season.
Grabbing hold of the opportunity with both hands, Ellenger provides plenty of run on the wing and the versatility to head down back or run up for goal.
Another Lion having a tremendous year, the midfielder has averaged 15 disposals and 3.5 tackles per outing in 2023.
Ellenger produced an eye-catching performance in the 2022 Grand Final rematch against the Demons with 22 touches, six marks and 536 metres gained.
The Grand Final between Brisbane Lions and North Melbourne Kangaroos will take place at IKON park Sunday at 1:30 pm, a crowd of 12,000 is expected to be at the sold-out game.
