ANOTHER heavy list turnover did little to stop Brisbane from making finals for the third time in four AFL Women’s seasons, getting back to a positive record (3-2-1) in a campaign which began so brightly. A real surprise packet of this year’s competition, the Lions topped Conference A after four rounds before a string of losses ended their astonishing run upon the first (and only) week of finals. With a core of hardened leaders and some quickly developing recruits to boot, the Lions were a fun side to watch in 2020. Relive the highs and lows of Brisbane’s season in our review, and take a look back at some of the most outstanding players throughout.

RECORD: 3rd (A), 3-2-1 (0-1 finals), 107%

RESULTS:

R1: defeated Adelaide by 13 points
R2: defeated Geelong by 19 points
R3: drew with Gold Coast
R4: defeated GWS by 28 points
R5: lost to Fremantle by 18 points 
R6: lost to Collingwood by 29 points
SF: lost to Carlton by 29 points

Little was expected from the Lions according to those outside of the Den, but they certainly delivered one of the more memorable opening months to the season on record. First on the agenda was the task of knocking off reigning premier, Adelaide, which was passed with flying colours. Next came Geelong, tick, and a maiden Q-Clash against Gold Coast which produced a thrilling draw. Arguably the most impressive victory was Brisbane’s last – a 28-point dismantling of fellow finalist GWS – which set up a mouthwatering clash against Fremantle, the other Conference leader and undefeated side. After the Dockers found the Lions out, so did Collingwood and Carlton in a less buoyant end to the year.

SEASON HIGH: Going nowhere – knocking off the Crows in Round 1

For the third time, not many expected Brisbane to prove much competition to the likes of Adelaide, but how wrong they were. The Lions’ defence stood strong in this one, holding the Crows goalless in two of the four quarters, with more clear-cut opportunities created up the other end. In this impressive triumph, the Lions gave fans a glimpse of what to expect in terms of effort and tackling pressure, proving their hunger for the contest and that indeed, they were going nowhere.

SEASON LOW: Running out of legs – finishing with three-straight losses

It may be a little harsh to throw three very different losses into a mix of one, but each consecutive defeats to see out the season put a slight dampener on it overall. While they were exceeding pre-season expectations, the Lions were billed to really match it with the likes of Fremantle, but instead were jumped from the get-go and could not claw their way back. Three goalless quarters against Collingwood came the next week, with Carlton outlasting the Lions come finals time.

FIVE KEY PERFORMERS:

Kate Lutkins (13.3 disposals, 4.4 marks, 3.1 tackles, 3.3 rebound 50s, 6.7 intercept possessions, 255 metres gained)

The Brisbane veteran is arguably her side’s most valuable player, and was effective as ever in her customary centre half-back role this season. As the core of the Lions’ usually rock-solid defence, Lutkins was influential going both ways in leading her club in intercept possessions, marks, and rebound 50s. The 31-year-old’s reading of the play is second to none, and was a key part of Brisbane’s success in 2020.

Emily Bates (19.9 disposals, 69% efficiency, 3.3 marks, 3.4 tackles, 3.3 inside 50s, 3.9 clearances, 273 metres gained)

Once a prized draft pick with high potential, Bates made the transition this year into Brisbane’s prime midfielder in what was nothing short of an outstanding campaign. The 169cm jet topped the Lions’ charts in disposals, metres gained, and clearances, showcasing her undeniable impact from the contest. Much of Brisbane’s forward drive began through the likes of Bates, as her star continues to rise with All Australian squad recognition.

Sophie Conway (11.4 disposals, 3.3 marks, 4.4 tackles, 3.4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals)

While she looked to have battled through injury toward the back-half of the season, Conway proved she is tough as nails with her approach to the game. Utilised mostly as a half-forward, Conway was often the link in the chain between forward wing and the forward 50 arc – finishing as the clubhouse leader for inside 50s while also booting three goals herself. There is plenty of potential in the 21-year-old, who could well transition to a greater midfield role.

Ally Anderson (18.3 disposals, 4.3 marks, 2.4 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1.6 rebound 50s, 2.6 clearances)

Another of the foundation Lions who just continues to perform at the highest level, Anderson was once again a mainstay in her side’s engine room across all seven games. The midfielder’s work rate was admirable as always, allowing her to find the ball both at the coalface and then on the spread at a good rate. With the midfield brigade to support her now developing well, Anderson’s experience is becoming increasingly important.

Jess Wuetschner (9 disposals, 2.4 marks, 2.4 tackles, 1.4 inside 50s, 3 goals)

The effects of a lightning strike may have limited the star forward’s season to five outings, but it did not stop Wuetschner from having an impact. A goal tally of three is low by her lofty standards, however the 27-year-old inaugural Lion enjoyed a slightly different role in 2020 as she led up the ground more and helped to link the play coming into Brisbane’s forward 50. A classy user with sticky hands, the goalsneak found the big sticks at important times, but to no avail in two losses.

THE SPEARHEAD:

Jesse Wardlaw (6.4 disposals, 3 marks, 1.3 tackles, 0.9 inside 50s, 2.4 score involvements, 9 goals)

The premier women’s competition has been crying out for a truly dominant key forward since its inception, and Wardlaw put her hat into the ring along with a few other youngsters to fill that void in 2020. The dynamic 185cm tall was held goalless just once across seven games, and led the league for goals for a good chunk of the season. While she was eventually overtaken, the high-marking Lion’s haul of nine went a long way to proving her potential.

SURPRISE PACKET:

Cathy Svarc (12.4 disposals, 5.4 tackles, 2.4 inside 50s, 1.3 rebound 50s, 2.9 clearances, 6 intercept possessions, 250 metres gained)

The 28-year-old became one of the league’s best mature-age draftee success stories in 2020, providing terrific drive for the Lions from defence and midfield. After debuting as a half-back, Svarc transitioned into a stoppage-splitting midfielder who doubled as a run-with player – best epitomised in her game against GWS where she had 23 disposals and two goals while keeping tabs on Alyce Parker. A true metre-gained player, Svarc was eye-catching in full flight with great aggression and speed.

VERDICT:

The ‘foundation eight’ carried a much of the responsibility in ensuring Brisbane could keep up with the competition’s best, and while they ultimately fell short of the league’s benchmark, the Lions have plenty of stock to suggest they can build on a promising year. With a strong core and strong academy system to top it up each year, this side can only get better.