Craig Starcevich wants to take his Lions women’s side to another level in 2018.
With the first AFLW season well and truly behind them, there’s no mystery or intrigue surrounding the competition. Every team knows the blood, sweat and tears it takes to try and get to the top.
On Monday night at Yeronga, it starts again.
“We want to advance things on the build-up that we had last year. We think we can get into some of
“I’m excited because we’ve got 13 newbies at the Club which is good. I'm excited to see how the ones that have had a taste of it already come back and apply themselves and are ready to take it to another level."
Monday night’s session will be the first taste of professional AFL for the seven draftees and three new rookies.
“The new ones coming in, the first little bit of respect that they’re going to have to earn from their teammates is how hard they can train, how well they apply themselves,” Starcevich said.
“It will be interesting to see who bobs up in that group as someone who’s really ready to take that opportunity.”
Emma Zielke, 2017’s Captain, will join in at training, while she’s still recovering from a punctured lung and three broken ribs suffered in July’s AFLW State of Origin.
“She’s been ok. She’s been jogging for a few weeks now, moving about pain-free,” Starcevich said.
“Fortunately, as bad as the injury was, she’s been able to be active.
“Her first challenge will be when we start to have a bit of contact.”
Samantha Virgo’s devastating ACL blow in the
“We’re enjoying having her around more often actually,” Starcevich said.
“Sam’s a natural organiser and leader anyway. So that’s just been water off a duck’s back.
“She’s obviously biding time. Starting the rehab process, getting strong again. Really ACLs, the rehabs are long and slow and laborious and can be a bit hard mentally at times.”
Virgo is passionate about coaching, with this role allowing her great insight into what’s involved day-to-day.
New recruit Bella Ayre is also nursing a knee injury, but it hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm since arriving in Brisbane last week.
“Bella had a minor knee cleanup a month ago,” Starcevich explained.
“She’s very positive at the moment which is fantastic.”
Ayre came from Carlton during the trade period earlier this year. Starcevich believes she’s a perfect fit for the Lions on and off the field.
“I think the team has realised they’ve got a good one on their hands. We can’t wait to get her in the group and get her into a role and get her going.”
Kaitlyn Ashmore has returned from Victoria in great shape and fellow Carlton recruit Nat Exon is another to watch.
“Nat’s the explosive, quick athlete. Similar to Kate McCarthy. Her speed and skill
