BRISBANE Lions skipper Emma Zielke concedes the prospect of hosting the 2017 NAB AFL Women's Grand Final is in the back of her side's mind, but the immediate focus is beating the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.
The Lions moved to the top of the AFLW ladder with a pulsating three-point win over previously unbeaten Adelaide at Norwood Oval last Saturday night and are guaranteed of hosting the final if they win their final two matches.
"That thought is [there]…but we just want to focus on what is ahead in the last two weeks before we worry about anything else," Zielke said.
The Lions host the Dogs at South Pine Sports Complex on Saturday before rounding out their home and away campaign against Carlton at Ikon Park.
The Blues remain in the race for the Grand Final and the clash looms as a high-stakes affair in what has been a successful inaugural AFLW season.
Zielke said last Saturday's win against the Crows was the toughest of the Lions' campaign, complimenting her side on its ability to come from behind at the final change.
"We showed we've got a bit of ticker,'' she said.
That winning feeling! #AllForOne pic.twitter.com/QAYbFw6ZeN
— Brisbane Lions AFLW (@lionsaflw) March 4, 2017
"It was a really physical game. You could notice the difference from previous games.
"They're a quality side. We tried to sustain that arm wrestle and then come back with a bit of physicality of our own."
The road from Bundaberg to captain of the AFLW's hottest team has been an unlikely one for 28-year-old Zielke.
She took up footy after moving from the north Queensland town to Brisbane a decade ago.
A switch from soccer began with social footy but progressed quickly and she soon found herself at Brisbane club Morningside.
"It's been an amazing journey to get here and you do pinch yourself,'' Zielke said.
"I love it. Each week we pull on the jumper and run out there with real passion and pride.
"The girls are a great bunch and I love leading them."
“I think they’ll come out and do anything they can to give us a scare and show us their best footy” @Nichildy1993
— Brisbane Lions AFLW (@lionsaflw) March 8, 2017
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