The Brisbane Lions welcomed nine new draftees to the Den at today’s NAB AFL Women’s Draft in Melbourne.
Coach Craig Starcevich said he cannot wait for Lions members and supporters to see the women in action.
“These new nine players have plenty to offer our Club,” Starcevich said.
“We have three new Hyundai Help for Kids Academy players added to our list, some of the most promising talent in Queensland.
“We have also acquired some senior players, who will bring additional football and life experience to our emerging group.
“These players bring versatility on the field, with many able to play a variety of positions; they are athletic and highly competitive.
“It has been difficult deciding on the final nine to choose at the draft however we believe these players will create strong internal competition at our Club.
“We would like to thank everyone who nominated Brisbane as their draft destination.”
Lily Postlethwaite from Maroochydore was the first to be drafted with Pick No. 3 overall. The small midfielder/forward is a Lions Academy player, captained Queensland at the 2019 NAB Under 18 AFL women’s National Championships and won the 2019 QAFLW Rising Star award.
Belle Dawes , also a Lions Academy and Maroochydore player, was the second to be drafted to the Club with Pick No. 15. The 18-year-old is a dynamic inside midfielder and played in the Lions undefeated QW Winter Series team. She also tested well at October’s combine, finishing second overall in the agility test.
Cathy Svarc from Wilston Grange was selected by the Lions with Pick No. 16. The 27-year-old plays as a medium midfielder or halfback and starred for the Lions in their undefeated QW Winter Series campaign. Svarc was a member of the Lions AFLW train on squad in 2019.
Hannah Hillman from Mackay was taken by the Lions with Pick No. 17. At 184cm, Hillman plays in the ruck and has proven strong aerobic capacity after she won the 2km time trial at the recent AFLW Combine.
Lucy Bellinger was selected with Pick No. 20 and is the Lions only interstate selection. The tall utility comes from South Australia where she starred for Glenelg in the SANFLW competition.
Tahlia Hickie, the third Lions Academy player and Coorparoo Kings player, was taken with Pick No. 28. At 182cm Hickie is flexible as a ruck or key position player. She played with the Lions in the QW Winter Series and tested strongly at the AFLW Combine in the 2km time trial and standing vertical jump.
Selina Priest from the Coolangatta Bluebirds returns to the Lions with Pick No. 45, after having been an inaugural player in the 2017 Lions AFLW Team. The 29-year-old was delisted at the conclusion of the 2017 season but her performances in the QAFLW as a rebounding defender earned her a recall.
Dakota Davidson from the University of Queensland’s Red Lions was selected by the Lions with Pick No. 60. The 20-year-old was a strong performer for the Lions in the QW Winter Series and can alternate between the ruck and forward line.
Maria Moloney from the University of Queensland’s Red Lions was the Lions final 2019 draft selection, taken with Pick No. 75. The 24-year-old is a small inside midfielder who is effective with both her hands and feet.
