The Brisbane Lions are celebrating remarkable list stability after retaining almost all of their grand final squad for next season’s AFLW premiership defence.
Key points:
- Courtney Hodder, Taylor Smith and Charlie Mullins have extended their deals
- Phoebe Monahan and Mikayla Pauga are departing the Lions
- The Lions have also recruited Shanae Davison and Eleanor Hartill
Livewire forward Courtney Hodder and fellow dual premiership player Taylor Smith have extended their deals, alongside first-year talent Charlie Mullins.
It means out of the grand final squad that beat North Melbourne, only the retired Phoebe Monahan and Mikayla Pauga (traded to the Giants) will not line up for the Lions in 2024.
The Lions have defied constant player departures to expansion clubs, winning two flags in five grand final appearances.
“To have three girls win a grand final, turn around and say they want to continue their footballing journey with us is a credit to our group as a whole,” two-time premiership coach Craig Starcevich said.
“Courtney, Tay and Charlie all played a key role for us this season across multiple lines, and we feel that they are only going to continue to develop.
“So 2024 and beyond will be an exciting time for our AFLW group and the club as a whole.”
Mark-of-the-year winner Hodder understandably drew interest from rival clubs but said the connection she felt at the Lions was priceless.
“It is an exciting time at the club and I love this group of girls. They really feel like a second family to me,” said Hodder, who extended her contract through to the end of 2027.
“We were able to achieve something amazing this year, so to be able to look forward to coming back and trying to do it all again for the next few seasons is an incredible feeling.”
The Lions have also added West Coast duo Shanae Davison and Eleanor Hartill ahead of Monday’s AFLW draft.
AAP