REIGNING grand finalists Brisbane did not need to do too much to its already contending list, and the Lions just took the minimum two selections in the 2024 AFL Women’s Draft. Much like the Crows, the Lions secured two National Academy members, including a WAFLW premiership player from out west, and one from their own backyard.

>> EVERY PICK: National Draft | Recap

DRAFT HAUL

National Draft:

16. Claudia Wright
39. Lilly Baker

Brisbane was able to get into a position where it could dictate its first selection to an extent, moving up to 16th after one bid, and the Lions opted for a versatile option. They secured Claremont WAFLW premiership player Claudia Wright with the pick in the teens, before adding another tall to the mix, being defender-ruck Lilly Baker from the Lions Academy.

Wright has had her fair share of injury issues over the journey, but is highly regarded for her resilience throughout it all. Despite spending time on the sidelines and only playing the one AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships match in the past two years, the injuries have somewhat fortunately not been soft tissue. She is a readymade player who will immediately provide both depth and flexibility across all three lines.

Baker also had a delayed start to the year, with the key position utility unable to play for the Lions Academy through the Coates Talent League after dominating as a bottom-ager in the ruck role 12 months earlier. She returned to represent the National Academy against the Under 21 All-Stars spending some time forward, before donning the Maroon for the second consecutive year and representing Queensland in a key defensive post.

Brisbane has targeted athletic players who have room to grow in the future, with Wright likely to start her career off half-back working up to a wing. She covers the ground well, has nice aerial presence and uses the ball well both on the outside and inside. Though developing a greater contested game, her traits lead to her spending more time on the outside where she can maximise her skills and decision making.

Baker is more of a long-term talent, though has an elite endurance base that is rare for a player of her size. She is also quick and competes well, building more of her fundamentals along the way. The Maroochydore young gun will learn plenty off the experienced spine, and in the wake of Kate Lutkins retiring, could be viewed as a replacement option in the future.