REIGNING grand finalists Brisbane took a different path to the traditionally local pathway, instead picking a purely Victorian-focused AFLW Draft crop that included plenty of run, and even a father-daughter selection near the end of the night.

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DRAFT HAUL

Pick 19. Asher Fearn-Wannan
Pick 33. Marlo Graham
Pick 52. Olivia Lacy
Pick 59. Meg Lappin

>> CLICK each player’s names for full profiles & highlights

The Lions made sure they secured some hard-running players who also have great defensive pressure amongst their four selections, with a couple of Vic Metro, and a pair of Vic Country prospects. Versatility is another key element that really stood out amongst Brisbane’s group, with a couple of the players capable of slotting into any role on the field.

Fearn-Wannan is an Eastern Ranges premiership player who has come on in leaps and bounds, and was picked up with the Lions’ first selection which went from Pick 11 to Pick 19 on the night. Boasting electrifying speed, evasion and a huge vertical leap, Fearn-Wannan has spent time as a half-back, wing and even ruck, though could easily play inside or up forward as well in what is a real blank canvas for coach Craig Starcevich.

Graham mixes a nice blend of inside and outside, with an elite endurance base and the ability to wriggle out of traffic with some slick steps in congestion. Capable of playing midfield or up forward, she is often linking up between half-forward and deep inside 50, with outstanding decision-making and smart foot skills.

Though she has had some injury interruptions, Lacy has worked hard across multiple lines for the Bendigo Pioneers can can play between the midfield and in defence. She reads the play well and can drive the ball from danger, or put her body on the line when required and fight for the contested ball with heavy competitiveness.

Completing the draft group is father-daughter selection Lappin, tied to the Lions through three-time premiership player Nigel and having grown up in Geelong where her dad has worked post-playing career. She is the ultimate tall utility, capable of standing up across all three lines and is a super athlete which is crucial to the modern game.

GRADE: B+

Brisbane was able to come away from the AFLW Draft addressing some great versatility and competitiveness. The four Victorians will be able to relocate together, and will reinvigorate the Lions with some much-needed run across the ground. One for the future with plenty of upside to come, particularly from Fearn-Wannan and Lappin.