Best friends reunited in Lions’ den

AFLW gun McKenzie Dowrick has revealed how a strong bond and the reputation of Lions coach Craig Starcevich saw her commit to a career in Queensland over Western Australia.

The promising 18-year-old was drafted to the Lions on Tuesday after she nominated for a move to the Sunshine State.

It was a decision that Starcevich knew he had to reward and one he believed was a strong endorsement of the Brisbane side.

And Dowrick has since revealed that it was the chance to learn under Starcevich, plus the presence of her longtime friend Arianna Clarke, that saw her opt for the Lions over Fremantle.

“I heard how good a coach Craig was,” Dowrick said.

“I’ve had a few talks with him (since Tuesday) and he’s very down to earth, easy to talk to and a really good guy. I can’t wait to be coached by him.”

One person who had been in Dowrick’s ear about Starcevich and the strong culture at the Lions was Clarke.

The pair have been best friends since they played for the same under-10s boys AFL team in Kambalda, a small mining town in Western Australia.

Clarke was selected with the Lions’ second pick at last year’s draft and made her debut in Round 1 of their 2018 season.

Dowrick watched from afar as her best friend soared to new heights but did not know if they would ever get the chance to play together again.

But their dreams came true when Dowrick was the Lions’ third pick on Tuesday.

“At the start (of the draft process) she didn’t want me to tell her where I nominated,” Dowrick said of Clarke.

“She was too nervous but she couldn’t wait for me to come over and to live together.

“I didn’t even think it would be able to happen.

“To play with her again is going to be amazing.”