The Brisbane Lions AFLW will unveil their second Club debutant in as many weeks with Eleanor Hartill to be named to face Melbourne this weekend.
Arriving at the Den during the 2023 off-season, Hartill has been in the AFLW system for two seasons playing 16 games for West Coast.
Hartill spent time as a key defender in her first season after being drafted into the Eagles squad following a string of consistent performances for Collegians in the Perth Football Leage and impressing scouts at a talent search day.
The 24-year-old, formerly an NBL1 Basketballer, standing at 185 centimeters, Hartill will provide AFLW senior coach, Craig Starcevich’s side with another tall option.
Playing primarily as a ruck last season, Hartill enjoyed her best year to date with career highs across the stat sheet.
“I’m beyond excited to run out with this group, they inspire me every day to be a better footballer,” Hartill said.
“I’ve been working extremely hard this preseason to improve my craft and get myself to the level required to play with this group and can’t wait to take the opportunity with both hands.
“As a group we’re determined to put in a good performance and get back to playing Lions footy which started this weekend against the Dees.”
Starcevich was excited to see Hartill get her opportunity this weekend and believes she will form a strong partnership with the other tall timber in the Lions lineup.
“Since arriving in Brisbane, Eleanor has been a great addition to our group and has worked incredibly hard this pre-season to break into the group.
“Eleanor adds another layer of depth to our tall department and gives us a different style both in the ruck and around the ground.
“She offers us something that will compliment Tahlia and Tay in the ruck.
“We’re excited to see her run out on Saturday in Lions colours.”
The Lions will travel to Melbourne to take on the Demons at Casey Fields in Week Two of the 2024 NAB AFLW Season with the first bounce from 11:05am on Saturday 7 September.
