PREMIERS Brisbane might be basking on cloud nine after the Lions’ second flag in the women’s program history, but it did not stop them making moves over the off-season. Having lost quality players such as Emily Bates, Greta Bodey and Jesse Wardlaw over the off-season last year, there was no such forced moves, with instead depth finding other opportunities, and the Lions positioning themselves strongly ahead of the AFLW Draft.

OFF-SEASON CHANGES

In: Shanae Davison, Eleanor Hartill, Pick 21, Pick 31, Pick 34, Pick 36, Pick 46, Pick 57, Pick 68, Pick 73
Out: Ella Smith, Mikayla Pauga, Kiara Hillier, Zimmorlei Farquharson, Bella Smith, Courtney Murphy, Analea McKee (traded), Pick 12, Pick 32, Pick 39

Draft Selections: 20, 21, 31, 34, 36, 46, 57, 68, 73

Brisbane’s huge off-season meant the Lions have not had to delist anyone as of yet, instead trading out seven players, and gaining a couple of Eagles in Shanae Davison and Eleanor Hartill. That provides some forward craft and height to the side, and while the likes of Zimmorlei Farquharson and Mikayla Pauga will be potentially big losses, they get the chance to lock in a spot elsewhere. Impressively, Brisbane has a whopping four picks before Gold Coast even enters the draft.

FIRST PICK

Holding four picks prior to Gold Coast and the Lions’ top prospects nominating Queensland, Brisbane has the chance to monopolise the Sunshine State’s market, or force the Suns to match bids. In saying that, winger Sophie Peters looms as the most obvious choice for the first selection, with the Maroochydore talent a high-level runner and smooth-mover on the outside.

She headlines a couple of talls, with fellow AFLW Academy member Rania Crozier also in the mix for those first four selections. The big question mark will be a bid coming on Evie Long given the wing/forward nominated nationally, which could even come prior to the Lions’ first pick making her the selection at 20. Either way, back-to-back selections at Pick 20 and 21 makes it a good position to be in for Brisbane Lions fans.

REMAINING DRAFT CROP

It is anticipated one way or another the Lions scoop up Peters and Crozier, and more than likely Long given the picks they have now. Though Brisbane gave up its Pick 12 which might have seen the Lions look nationally, they have the potential to nab a slider or bid on Gold Coast’s array of talent such as winger Sienna McMullen or tall defender Kiara Bischa.

Looking beyond the obvious Academy selections, the Lions would be in the hitting zone for Vic Metro MVP Kayley Kavanagh if they opted to take the Calder Cannons on-baller with one of their first two selections. Given a number of talls have departed over the off-season, West Australian skipper Anjelique Raison is another player to fit a need, while GWS Giants Academy member and AFLW Academy MVP Mel Staunton could move north.

From a mature-age point of view, Tshinta Kendall was a train-on with the Lions and could be a sneaky pick to be elevated to the senior list with the former Rugby 7s talent having elite athletic traits. Former Lion, Sun and Power player Jacqui Yorston is also set to return Queensland, while Steph O’Brien is the most experienced Queenslander, having won the Zielke Medal this season after sustained consistency the last few years.

SUMMARY

Brisbane is coming off a flag, so in terms of needs, the Lions are more about exchanging depth. Given the Lions will pick up some quality players with the picks they have and the state based nominations, expect Brisbane to bring in a mix of top-end talents and mature-age players ready to step up to the plate when required.