Brisbane Lions AFLW premiership captain Bre Koenen, vice-captain Nat Grider and two-time premiership player Orla O’Dwyer will all remain at the den until the end of the 2027 season.
The AFLW Grand Final best on ground, Koenen and All-Australians, Grider and O’Dwyer, all signed three contract extensions over the off-season.
After leading the Lions to their second premiership in three years, Koenen didn’t hesitate in sticking around.
“I’m really excited to be staying at the Club for the next four years and couldn’t think of anywhere else I'd want to play my footy,” she said.
“We’re in a really strong position, we’re hungry for more success and that’s something I definitely want to be a part of and continue to drive.
“We’ve built such a great culture amongst this group, driven by Bree (Brock) and Craig (Starcevich) and I’m looking forward to seeing how far this group can go.”
Grider, who has developed her game under the tutelage of both Koenen and Starcevich, was grateful to continue to be part of the Lions environment.
“I love this Club, we’ve had some success throughout my time here but that is a product of the people who make this place what it is,” she said.
“To say that I’m going to play here for next four seasons is something I’m really grateful for.
“We are all super excited for this season and we want to keep developing on what we’ve built here at the Lions.”
2022 All-Australian and two-time premiership player, O’Dwyer, has played a key role in Lions side since 2020, patrolling the wing.
Recruited out of Tipperary, O’Dwyer burst onto the scene in 2020, injecting speed and physicality on the wing for the Lions, finishing runner up in the Best and Fairest in her second season.
With fellow Irishwoman, Jennifer Dunne joining the Lions last year, O’Dwyer was keen to remain in Australia and chase more AFLW glory.
“I’m really excited to be staying at the Club until 2027,” O’Dwyer said.
“This group has been great since I’ve come over here and to be able to say I’m going to be here for another few years is amazing.
“We are really focussed now to get back into the grind of preseason and kick things off in 2024.”
With his leaders locked in for the future, AFLW senior coach, Craig Starcevich highlighted the loyalty of three of his most senior players.
“We as a program have been through instances where we have lost players to expansion or different opportunities across the eight years of this competition,” he said.
“To see the influx of players committing longer term to the Club and this program demonstrates the culture we have here.
“Both Bre and Nat play an enormous role in helping foster that, as does Orla and to have them onboard for the next four seasons is not only exciting for the playing group but for the coaching staff as well to see your leaders want to continue to be part of the Clubs success.”
This announcement follows contract extensions for fellow premiership Lions, Belle Dawes, Jade Ellenger, Tahlia Hickie, Shannon Campbell, Lily Postlethwaite, Ruby Svarc, Poppy Boltz along with the re-signings of Courtney Hodder, Taylor Smith and Charlotte Mullins.
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.
