Gabby Collingwood has turned her disappointment at missing the Lions’ maiden AFLW premiership into a steely determination to help the side go back-to-back.

The clever forward, who has returned to QWAFL action in recent weeks, has now signed a new deal with the Lions and has her sights set firmly on forcing her way back into coach Craig Starcevich’s side in the upcoming season.

Collingwood will take on the role of a new recruit having missed the end of the 2020 AFLW season and the entire 2021 premiership campaign with an ACL injury.

Having played seven games in 2019 the now 21-year-old was beginning to find her feet at senior level when injury struck after two games in 2020.

She switched her focus to helping the side in any way possible while injured and became a source of great encouragement and support around the team during year-long long stint rehabilitating her knee.

“Being out injured last year and seeing all the success the club had, I was determined to make the most of my rehab and earn a new contract,’’ she said.

“It’s so exciting that the Club want me back again and I can’t wait to get out there and try to get into the side and play a couple of games.

“The girls are my best friends and helping them really helped me, I felt their support all season long and having that connection was important.’’

Lions Head of Women’s Football Bree Brock said the entire Club was thrilled Collingwood would be back for the AFLW’s sixth season.

“Gabby is coming off the long road of recovery with her ACL injury sustained in 2020,’’ she said.

“She had some delays through Covid last year and nearly missed out on getting her surgery.

“We are really looking forward to her return as she is such a character and always brings great energy and life.”