GRAND Finalists Brisbane will look to find the answer to go back to the premiership dais, having fallen one win short of consecutive AFL Women’s flags. With just the two retirements over the off-season, the Lions have kept the list intact, and shuffled up the draft order by two picks.

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2024 RECORD: 3rd, 9-2, 182.4% | Eliminated: Grand Final
2024 PICKS: 15, 39, 71, 89, 107, 125, 143

LIST CHANGES:
IN: Picks 15, 39
OUT: Kate Lutkins, Jade Pregelj, Luka Yoshida-Martin, Picks 17, 35, 53

FIRST PICK:
Pick 15

Brisbane was able to slightly move up its first selection in this year’s AFLW Draft, and will get a player on board prior to needing to match a bid. Gold Coast has a lot of Academy members that the Lions could bid on around the range, with both Tara Harrington and Mia Salisbury in Top 20 contention. The flexibility to be able to bid is a nice one for the Lions, while also capable of targeting a ‘best available’ approach.

If available, Brisbane would jump at taking either of Charlotte Riggs or Sienna Tallariti, providing that immediate defensive depth with leadership experience and premiership success. Scholz would be a great choice, but obviously has ties to the Power and with Port involved in the deal to get 15

The Lions also might look to get another forward in the door, with contested marking being an issue in 2024. Eastern Ranges have a couple that are in that late first round contention with Grace Belloni or Georgie Brisbane, while the Lions have been known to target GWV Rebels for the men’s program, so key forward Claire Mahony – arguably the best contested mark in the draft – fits that need to a t.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 15, 39, 71, 89

One would expect Lions Academy member Lilly Baker to potentially earn a bid before Pick 39, and the Lions would need to select her if not because a bid slightly after – and no pick for some time – would pose problems for matching. The other two Lions Academy members nominated are wing/half-back Kaiya Hides and versatile midfielder who can also go forward, Isabella McDonough. They will likely be available later in the draft.

The Lions have three selections to use at the draft – and for anything after their first stick local – but could find value in the back end of the draft if they do delist an additional player. By picking up Baker and another tall or potent option up the other end, the Lions will be able to secure quality long-term players to add to their talented list.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– How many of the three nominated Lions Academy members do they take?
– Do the Lions go tall or small with the first selection?
– Did Brisbane trade ahead of Port Adelaide to snatch a South Australian?