Brisbane Lions AFLW premiership players Belle Dawes, Jade Ellenger and Tahlia Hickie have all committed to the Club until 2026 and beyond.
The trio all signed contract extensions with Dawes and Ellenger committing for two more years and Hickie for three.
The triple act all played crucial roles in the Lions most recent Grand Final triumph against North Melbourne at Ikon Park last season and were also key parts of Brisbane’s first ever AFLW premiership in 2021.
Dawes, an electric midfielder, who was named in the AFLPA 22under22 team for 2023, was over the moon to be remaining at the Den
“I love this Club and I’m super excited to be a Lion for another three years,” she said.
“We’ve built such an amazing culture up here and to call this place home and go to work day in, day out with these girls is something I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of.
“We are so excited to see where we can go this season and try build on our success from last year.”
Ellenger, who played a number of different roles last season including coming off halfback also spread the love for her teammates and coaching staff.
“I couldn’t think if anything better than being at this Club for another two seasons,” Ellenger said.
“Our group across the board, whether that’s players, coaching or support staff as the best in the competition.
“It has been well documented that many of us have grown up through the Academy, so I’m excited to keep pulling on the jumper.”
Hickie, a now two-time premiership ruck who experienced a career year in 2023, said it was an easy decision to sign a new deal.
“Going into my fifth year with the Club and I couldn’t be more eager to get pre-season started,” Hickie said.
“We had an amazing year last year and we definitely want to replicate it.
“The belief in this group is already there so we are excited to get cracking.”
AFLW senior coach, Craig Starcevich, highlighted the number of players committing to the Club for the next few seasons.
“To have another three of our high-end talent want to stay and continue their footy with the Lions is great from a whole club perspective,” Starcevich said.
“All three are products of our Academy, have already passed the 50-game mark, and are dual premiership players.”
“We are in a really strong place as a club and to see more in our group commit to a number of years is a sign of that.”
Dawes, Ellenger and Hickie join Lily Postlethwaite, Shannon Campbell, Poppy Boltz and Ruby Svarc in signing contract extensions over the off-season.
The Brisbane Lions AFLW side will kick off their premiership defence in the final weeks of August with players returning to their clubs for pre-season training on Monday, June 3.
