PLAYERS ON THE RISE

Q The Brisbane Lions have lost the first two A FLW grand finals. What does your squad look like going into 2019 that will hopefully win that first premiership?

A It is great to have a few new faces in the squad and Carlton’s inaugural captain Lauren Arnell (right) is a big one for us. Her being from Victoria and they play a slightly different brand of football down there, she has had different experiences to us in Queensland, listening to different people and coaches about the game. Her voice has been excellent since coming to the Lions and some of the points she has made have been different and provided a refreshing perspective. Our number one draft pick Paige Parker is another exciting one. Paige has been with our group for a few years, she has been on our train-on squad every single year so far and has narrowly missed out on a spot in the proper squad. To her credit, she has persevered and will join us on the field this year. It is a huge accolade for her. That is great that she has kept on trying after missing out the first couple of years. Paige is an elite running playing, coming from a touch football background. She will take on the game and provide real excitement. We have got a heap of new 18-year-olds as well, we have too many to go through individually, but it is great to have them on board too. Natalie Grider, who captained Queensland at the Under 18 National Championships, is great overhead and reads the play well. I think she will provide lots of run off the half back line. McKenzie Dowrick from Western Australia has a booming left boot and will be an asset for us, being able to play a number of different positions.