THE two Queensland Academies have wrapped up their stints in the 2024 Coates Talent League Girls competition, and next up in our review series we analyse the Brisbane Lions Academy. We take a look at the results and some of the standouts throughout the stint with a number of them set for Queensland representation at the national championships later in the year.

>> 2024 CTLG team review: Giants Academy

RESULTS

Brisbane Lions Academy 1.4 (10) lost to Northern Knights 8.5 (53)
Brisbane Lions Academy 5.12 (42) defeated Eastern Ranges 4.2 (26)
Brisbane Lions Academy 10.15 (75) defeated Calder Cannons 1.1 (7)
Brisbane Lions Academy 5.4 (34) defeated Dandenong Stingrays 1.5 (11)

LEADING STATS-GETTERS:

Disposals: Isabella McDonough (20.3)
Marks: Laura Roy (5.3)
Tackles: Georgia Hunt (11.5)
Hitouts: Monique Corrigan (21.0)
Inside 50s: Isabella McDonough (4.5)
Rebound 50s: Farrandai Hopkins (6.8)
Goals: Isabella McDonough (1.0)

AFLW DRAFT PROSPECTS TO WATCH

Lilly Baker
Ruck/Defender | 179cm | 14/08/2006

It might be a bit strange to highlight a player who did not play the competition due to injury, but the Lions Academy’s AFLW Academy member looms as the top pick from the squad. She is athletic, can play multiple positions and expect her to step up at the national carnival rotating between ruck and a key position spot.

Isabella McDonough
Midfielder/Wing | 164cm | 13/02/2006

The Lions Academy co-captain was superb across the three games, playing a mix of inside and outside, and using her ability to run hard and find space to full advantage. Her best game came against the Calder Cannons where she slotted three goals to finish the four-round stint as the highest goalkicker with four. A smooth mover with good upside for the future.

Laura Roy
Defender | 172cm | 16/08/2005

As far as over-agers go, Roy could not have done much more through the Talent League Girls competition. Her aerial ability, positioning and ability to drive the ball in transition were highlights of her game, even pushing up to kick a goal against Calder. She can play anywhere on the field, but has been a reliable general in defence.

Zimra Hussain
Forward | 160cm | 01/01/2006

The small utility found her place up forward this year having previously played in defence and through the midfield. Born on New Year’s Day, she is the equal oldest in this year’s top-age draft class, but has some neat tricks. She is evasive and applies defensive pressure, with some clever forward craft and neat short kicking.

Others:

Defender Farrandai Hopkins is one who had an impressive carnival providing powerful kicking off half-back and strong positioning one-on-one. Over-age forward and co-captain Lilu Hung and fellow 2005-born Lion Ebony Milne are others who made an impact as they hope for a chance from AFLW clubs.

2025 AFLW Draft:

Lions ruck Monique Corrigan stands at 186cm and made her presence felt across the our games, averaging 21 hitouts from 8.3 disposals and 4.3 tackles. Still a raw prospect, she looms as one who could further develop with more time.

The 2008-born crop from the Lions is the one to watch, with a trio of top-end talents headlining an eye-catching group. Midfielder/forwards Molly Ferguson and Mia Geere, and tall forward Harlee McIlwain are all names to remember for the future having earned All-Australian honours at this year’s Under 16s Championships.

SUMMARY

Brisbane Lions Academy bounced back from a forgettable first game to really produce big in the final three Coates Talent League Girls matches. They beat a couple of contenders along the way, and with a few draft-eligible players catching the eye, showed they will provide some strong support to the eventual Queensland squad.