Summer isn’t the only season the Brisbane Lions' AFLW team thrives in.

In the inaugural Winter Series so far, the team has managed to beat both GWS North and South in their opening two matches.

With one final match against the Suns ahead, Lions Captain Emma Zielke has started preparations early. 

The star midfielder went and watched the Suns play in their recent Winter Series clash against GWS South.

Despite the Suns' lack of AFLW experience, Zielke knows the new team on the block can’t be underestimated.

“They have some really skilful players so it’s going to be a pretty physical tough and exciting game,” she said.

Fans can look forward to the birth of a new footy rivalry as the teams go head-to-head for the first time.

“I think it’s going to become one of the great rivalries once they enter the competition, but this match will be the first taste of it,” said Zielke. 

The Lions were dominant against GWS South in the series opener, keeping them scoreless and piling on 18 goals on the way to a 116-point victory.

Zielke said that despite the one-sided scoreline, the game was competitive, and the injection of some new players sparked excitement amongst the seasoned campaigners.

“We moved the ball really well and everyone chipped in,” she said. 

“Some of the new girls who came into the team were really good additions.”

Against GWS North, the team struggled in front of goal, but still walked away with an 11-point win.

“The second game was against a tougher opponent as they had more AFLW players,” Zielke said.

“We were a bit inaccurate and couldn’t put on scoreboard pressure, but we played well for a couple of quarters.”

The Lions have been aiming to improve with each game and hope the opportunity to play together over the offseason will hold them in good stead for AFLW 3.0. 

“Our aim has been to win every quarter during the winter series and so far we’ve won six out of eight,” Zielke said. 

“We already know how we want to move the footy come the 2019 season so it’s great to have this series and to be able to play together.

“It’s been good to get the group back in the middle of the year instead of just the five months at the end of the year.”

AFLW Winter Series Game 3
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns
4.40pm, Saturday July 14 at Metricon Stadium