The Lions AFLW proudly welcomed eight new draftees into the Den following today’s 2018 NAB AFL Women’s Draft.

Paige Parker was the first name called for the Lions at Pick No. 9 overall and was presented her Lions guernsey by Coach Craig Starcevich on stage at Marvel Stadium. 

Parker’s story is one of determination and resilience, having been a member of the Lions’ train on squad for the past two seasons.

The 23-year-old’s performances in the QWAFL competition for Coorparoo Kings and for the Gold Coast Suns in the inaugural Winter Series were enough to guarantee her spot in 2019. 

Joining Parker at the Lions in 2019 are: 

Natalie Grider at Pick No. 22: An Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy product, Grider was an Under 18 All Australian this year after captaining Queensland at the Under 18 National Championships. The 18-year-old can play at half-back or in the midfield and is athletic with strong marking skills. 

McKenzie Dowrick at Pick No. 33: A Western Australian junior, Dowrick was a member of the AFL Women’s Academy and dominated for WA at the Under 18 National Championships earlier this year. The 18-year-old has an accurate left boot, slinky skills and is clever with her ball use. Dowrick was also named Under 18 All Australian earlier this year.

Lauren Bella at Pick No. 45: Bella has been considered the best ruckman in the Under 18 National Championships for the past two seasons. The 18-year-old is from Sarina in North Queensland and has been a member of the AFLW Academy. For the past two years, she has been named an Under 18 All Australian.

Tori Groves-Little at Pick No. 56: In her first year of senior women’s football, Groves-Little was the 2018 joint winner of the QWAFL’s Best and Fairest award, after four best-on-ground performances for Coorparoo. Groves-Little is fast and versatile across the ground, typically playing on the wing or off half back.

Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw at Pick No. 61: At 185cm tall, Tawhiao-Wardlaw boasts a significant presence in the forward line and ruck, with the ability to take strong marks above her head. She played for Queensland at the Under 18 National Championships and represented the Lions AFLW side in the Winter Series competition.

Jacqui Yorsten at Pick No. 71 (compensation pick): A Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy product, Yorston is a QWAFL premiership player for Wilston Grange. The midfielder, known for her contested ball work, pulled on the Lions guernsey for the inaugural Winter Series earlier this year. She also represented Queensland at the Under 18 National Championships.

 Jade Ellenger at Pick No. 72 (compensation pick): Ellenger is a quick, strong marker who can play in the backline or midfield. She also played for Queensland in the Under 18 National Championships and played in the 2018 QWAL Grand Final for Coorparoo FC.

In 2019 the Lions AFLW team will be supported by Icon Group, who have extended their commitment to the Club by elevating to a co-major partnership, alongside Bond University.