Whether roaming the halls of academia or patrolling the 50m arc, Mikayla Pauga seems to never miss a step.

Last year as a 17-year-old she won a Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship to study Psychology at Bond University.

Now 12-months on her journey has landed her at the Lions.

It will be a reunion at the Gabba as she once again joins forces with Maroochydore teammates Maggie Harmer and Bella Smith.

The trio played together at the Sunshine Coast club before the emerging forward headed south to Bond ahead of the 2021 QAFLW season to pursue her studies and further her football.

Her selection at Pick No.46 comes off the back of a standout 2021 season, that saw the 18-year-old take home the runners-up title in the QAFLW with Bond University.

The 18-year-old has spent the past year honing her skills in the NAB AFL Women’s Academy and in the Queensland U19 side, where she put up 11 disposals and two inside 50s in Queensland’s match-up against Country Victoria earlier this year.

AFLW Head Coach Craig Starcevich is excited to add Pauga’s footy smarts to his AFLW Premiership team.

“Mikki is an aggressive inside ball winner and good decision maker in the midfield,” Starcevich said.

“She has had the added challenge this year of leaving her home on the Brisbane’s northside, heading down to Bond University for study.

“She played as a small forward with the Bond QAFLW team and was a strong contributor in the back half of the year, particularly during finals. This versatility will open up a number of roles for her at AFLW level.”