NAB AFLW Draft day, like most things, looked a little different in 2020. The event was run virtually with all AFLW Clubs on a call in a central location and then broadcast collectively through the RMIT AFL Review Centre (ARC).

Lions Senior Coach Craig Starcevich said it was a strong draft year and he was really excited for members and fans to see the Club’s new talent in action.  

Off the back of another successful season, sans Grand Final due to COVID, the Lions held picks 8, 37 and 38 going into this year’s Draft.

With pick 8 Brisbane selected 18-year-old utility Zimmorlei Farquharson. Farquharson has been an effective goal-scoring half forward who can shift to the wing and find space to carry the ball. She is good overhead, has length and power in her kicking, and defensive speed to get after opponents.

Farquharson comes to the Lions from the Brisbane Lions Academy where she has been a member now for four seasons, also joining the NAB AFLW National Academy for the past two seasons.

Farquharson represented Queensland in the NAB AFLW U18s in 2018 and 2019 and played in the QAFLW Grand Final for eventual Premiership winners, The Yeronga Devils.

Starcevich said “Farquharson is an athletic and skillful player who we think can play in a number of positions.

“She’s had an outstanding last month as a key player in Yeronga’s charge to the QAFLW flag, and again on the weekend as the Lions’ best against the Suns in the Academy game.

“We think her athleticism and versatility will be real assets for our team.”

With pick 37 Brisbane selected athletic-tall Indy Tahau. Tahau is strong overhead, has great goal sense, and aggressively works hard to defend when required. She was Best on Ground for South Adelaide in the SANFLW GF in 2019 as a 16-year-old and has been a NAB AFLW National Academy member for the past two seasons.

Tahau grew up in Cunnamulla before moving to Adelaide as a youngster and being drafted to Brisbane will allow her to spend more time with her mum who lives on the Gold Coast.

“We’re excited to welcome Indy to our team as a versatile, strong and aggressive tall who can play in a number of key positions.”

“Whilst she is strong overhead and can hit the scoreboard, it was her ground level pressure which really caught our eye, that willingness to compete will be a handy attribute for us.”

Lastly, with pick 38, the Lions selected 27-year-old Ruby Svarc. Lions fans might recognize the name as Svarc is the younger sister of Cathy who had a breakout season for the Lions in 2020.

Svarc is a speedy half-back or winger who spent the last two seasons with Essendon in the VFLW. She has similar athletic traits to her sister, loves to carry the ball, use her speed to hunt the opposition and break lines whilst in possession.

“We’re really happy to welcome Ruby to our team - she loves having the footy in her hands and taking on opponents which suits our style.

“She’ll cause a few headaches with her defensive pressure which is equally important.

“We’re thrilled she’ll be able to join her sister Cathy to continue their football journey together.” said Starcevich.

The 2021 NAB AFLW Season will begin week commencing February 1, with final details of the competition format still to be announced. Pre-season training will commence in November.