Lauren Arnell’s 16-year footy career will come full circle this weekend as she celebrates her 25^th AFLW game against Carlton in a Semi Final at Ikon Park. The 33-year-old started her career in Ballarat while studying at university and played in front of no spectators on a regular basis – they were lucky to have five girls attending training on a cold winter’s night.

This weekend, while playing for the Brisbane Lions, the team will be treated like royalty; a bus will meet them on the tarmac and transport them to a hotel where they will have an entire floor to themselves.

“It’s hard to describe it, it almost feels like it’s come full circle,” Arnell said.

“I think having no crowds last week was a real reminder for most of us older players that we played most of our careers in front of no spectators – we played for the love of the game.

“Now we have the opportunity to play in front of live television every week.

“You realise we’re in a privileged position.”

The milestone will also mark Arnell’s first AFLW Final which will be against her former club, Carlton, whom she captained for two seasons.

“My first ever AFLW game was with Carlton on the same ground and now my first final is with Brisbane on Carlton’s ground at Ikon Park,” she said.

“It’s pretty crazy when you think about it.”

Arnell said this group has been very dear to her over the past two seasons and cannot wait to run out with them this weekend.

“I feel very grateful that Craig [Starcevich] and Bree [Brock] saw something in me when I was traded and have given me the opportunity to try and add some value to our group at the Lions,” she said.

“The most special part of the weekend is to be playing a final with this incredible group.”