For the second straight week, the Brisbane Lions will unveil more Academy talent with Evie Long set to debut against the Western Bulldogs on Wednesday night. 

Drafted with pick 15 in the 2023 AFLW Draft, Long is another of the Lions Academy graduates to reach the top level, joining Sophie Peters, who debuted in the Lions win over Collingwood in Week 3. 

Long will become the second person in her family to pull on a Lions jumper with her great uncle, Danny Dickfos playing 65 games for the Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions between 1996 and 1999. 

“It means a lot, being able to pull on the jumper tomorrow night for the first time,” Long said.  

“When Starce called, it gave me a flashback to primary school when they asked ‘what do you want to be in 10 years’ and mine was to be playing for the Lions in the AFLW. 

“Knowing a few of the girls from the Academy program has made the transition to AFLW so much easier. 

“The group’s standards are so high, even just being with them for one pre-season I’ve seen an improvement in my own skills already which has been great.” 

Known for her run and carry, Long uses her speed as a weapon to pressure opposition defences on transition.  

Through her draft year, Long was also a consistent contributor on the scoreboard with clean foot skills both in front of goal and in around the ground. 

Lions AFLW senior coach, Craig Starcevich noted Long’s work ethic through the pre-season as big reason why she’s ready for the big time. 

“Evie is someone who came into our group and we knew she was a great competitor with elite endurance coming from a long-distance running background, so to see her develop so quickly has been great,” Starcevich said. 

“She’s another who has come through our Academy pathway and it is a real credit to the coaching staff we have in our Academy to have someone of Evie’s quality at such a young age. 

“Tomorrow night we’re excited to see her bring all her weapons to AFLW level and we’re looking forward to having her run out a Lion.”