On Saturday the Lions AFLW team will make history when they play their first official game on the hallowed Gabba turf. They will meet the Gold Coast SUNS for the final QW Winter Series match. To mark the momentous occasion Coach Craig Starcevich today named his strongest QW Winter Series team to date.
Women’s footy veteran Lauren Arnell will play her first match of the series and has been named on the interchange bench, alongside recruit Rheanne Lugg who returns for her second game.
2019 AFLW Rookie of the Year Jesse Wardlaw is back after missing game two due to injury and will start on the bench.
New other-sport rookie Greta Bodey, who signed on to the Lions 2020 AFLW list last week, has been named at half forward.
Emily Bates and 2019 All Australian Ally Anderson have been named as Co-Captains as they aim to lead the team towards a clean sweep of the series.
Starcevich said Saturday’s game is an important opportunity or the AFLW listed players.
“For this match we’ll have our largest group of listed players available, which is a priority for us as we don’t have many opportunities to play them together across the AFLW off-season,” he said.
“This is particularly the case for those on our list who’ve played less than a season of QAFLW games, who we’re able to give high game time to.”
With the AFLW draft approaching in October the game is also another chance for players to impress Starcevich and the coaching group.
“We’ll also continue to trial high quality talent from the QAFLW, to give us a clearer picture of what direction we’ll be heading in come draft time,” he said.
“Unfortunately, our Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy girls aren’t available for selection because they’re at the National Championships on the Gold Coast.”
Mostly Starcevich hopes the team embrace the opportunity to play on a world-famous ground.
“This is a special day for our group playing together for the first time on the Gabba. We hope they can share this with a big crowd of friends, family and fans,” he said.
Tickets are FREE but attendees must pre-register here. Bounce is at 2pm.
