BRISBANE Lions marquee player Sabrina Frederick-Traub isn’t planning to play with diminished intensity despite her team having already secured a spot in the NAB AFL Women’s Grand Final.
As far as the 20-year-old is concerned, the Lions still have a long way to go if they are to make history as the inaugural AFLW premiers.
"As much as I am happy (to be in the Grand Final) we still know we have a big game coming up this week against Carlton," Frederick-Traub said.
The bullish forward played a crucial role in last weekend’s win over the Western Bulldogs, collecting 10 disposals and acting as a constant aerial threat in the Lions’ forward line.
The marquee player has made a similar impact in other games this season, her form earning her a NAB AFL Women’s Rising Star award nomination in round four.
Frederick-Traub said the Lions had been able to use the negative predictions about the team as a motivating factor in their undefeated start to the season.
"Doubt is a really powerful thing and it can push a team to really stand up and I think that's what it did for us," she said.
"We just wanted to prove people wrong and inside the four walls we all believed in each other and inspired each other, so that's all that really mattered for us."
England-born Frederick-Traub first played footy as a seven-year old as the only girl in her Perth school’s team.
Recognised early for her talent and ferocity, she made the switch to girls’ football when she was just 12.
For five years Frederick-Traub played with the Peel Thunderbirds in the WAWFL, where she won the club’s rising star award and was runner-up in the best and fairest.
After making the move east to join the Lions, the ruck-forward hopes her performances help inspire the next generation of female footballers.
"I had really strong role models when I grew up so you want someone to look up to and to just say, 'Well that person is doing it, so why can't I?'" Frederick-Traub said.
"It's great I can do that for younger girls."
Round 7 Team: Lions make one change
