It will be a special day for Captain Emma Zielke, Kate Lutkins, Emily Bates and Ally Anderson who will play their 25th AFLW game, an incredible milestone in the fourth year of the competition. All foundation players have not missed a game and played in two AFLW Grand Finals.
Gabby Collingwood, Jade Ellenger and Jordan Zanchetta have the potential to play their first AFLW game in 2020 after they were named in Coach Craig Starcevich’s 23-women squad to take on the Cats in Geelong on Sunday afternoon.
Jessica Weutschner is not available to play, with the Club continuing to monitor her recovery from a workplace incident in late January.
Weutschner is the only change from last week’s triumphant Round 1 winning team, who defeated the reigning premiers, Adelaide Crows, by 13 points.
This will be the first time the Lions have travelled to Geelong and will be seeking redemption after their four-goal loss to the Cats in Round 5 last year.
“We had an even team performance in Round 1 and have elected to keep that group together for the Geelong game, other than the forced change with Jess being managed,” Coach Craig Starcevich said.
“A lot has changed since the last time we played Geelong, with only 10 players in this week’s squad remaining from the Round 5 match at Moreton Bay Sports Complex last year.
“Geelong were impressive against Fremantle last Sunday, with a number of good ball users across the ground.
“It’s the first time our team has been to GMHBA Stadium so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The final 21-women team will be named tomorrow.