First year sensation Cathy Svarc has signed a new two-year deal with the Brisbane Lions kickstarting a stunning AFLW sign and trade period for the Club. 

After years of player turnover due to AFLW expansion, the Lions have ensured a period of stability by locking away the core of their side for another two years.

So far 16 players have signed new two-year deals or extended existing deals out until the end of 2022.

Club champion Emily Bates, All Australian defender Kate Lutkins and prolific goal scorer Jess Wuetschner all added an extra year to their deals.

Rising star Cathy Svarc heads a list of players to sign new two-year deals that also includes Rheanne Lugg, Lily Postelthwaite and Dakota Davidson.

The Lions will take four players in the upcoming AFLW draft and have one spot on the list vacant for a potential free-agency signing.

The remaining players on the list are all signed for 2021.

AFLW CEO Breeanna Brock described the successful signing frenzy as a huge tick of confidence in the Club.

It is the first time since the AFLW began in 2017 that the Lions have not lost players to other clubs in the off-season. 

“I think our culture is reflected in this,’’ she said.

“Everyone wants to stay here and be a part of what we are doing, that is exciting for us.

“I think they can sense that this is a pretty special group and how well they all gel together, they train really hard but they also love each other’s company so it’s a great mix at the moment." 

Svarc, the 16^th pick in the 2019 AFLW draft, produced a stunning debut season which saw her romp home to win the best first year player award on her way to a third-place finish in the best and fairest.

She was judged best on ground in matches against Carlton and GWS to end the season ranked by Champion Data as the 19^th best player in the league. 

“It’s great that Cathy has committed to the Lions till 2022. She was a train on player with us in 2019 so to see how quickly she’s developed has been really exciting,’’ Brock said.

“She’s a key ingredient to what we are building here and she’s quickly become a fan favourite as she’s just so exciting to watch.”

Bates, the inaugural best and fairest winner and two time All Australian and Lutkins the 2018 winner, fought out a tense battle for this year’s Club champion.   

Both players played their 25^th games last season and have the potential to be on the cusp of an AFLW first 50 game milestone by the time their deals expire.

So does another previous winner, Ally Anderson, who has also extended her deal until 2022.

“These three are at the peak of their powers really, all have been best and fairest winners and All Australians, it’s a pretty elite group,’’ Brock said.

“Their dedication to their craft is second to none. They work so hard on their fitness and just being the best they can be.

“They’ve been with us since the start and they are a big reason as to why we’ve so successful over the four seasons.

“It’s scary to think that they just keep better every year too.”

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