THE Brisbane Lions have selected Breanna Koenen to continue her captaincy of the team for the third straight year.
The 27-year-old premiership defender will be joined by Nat Grider who will reassume her position as vice-captain of the Lions AFLW side.
Koenen was named in her first All-Australian selection in 2022 where she was named as vice-captain.
The defender became the first Lions’ captain to be named as an All-Australian since Jonathan Brown in 2009.
“It’s a huge honour to be backed by my teammates again this season,” Bre said.
“I am excited about this group and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Koenen will be supported by vice-captain Grider who is also coming off an incredible 2022 where she was named as an All-Australian.
Lions AFLW coach Craig Starcevich believes that after two seasons both players are coming into their own as leaders.
“Bre had a great second season as captain in season season, growing as a leader and earning All-Australian selection,” he said.
“She has a strong off-field connection with the playing group and is courageous and inspiring on match day, traits held in high regard by everyone at our Club.
“Nat’s off-field professionalism and aggressive game style are behaviours her teammates admire and are drawn to.
“She too had an outstanding year earning All-Australian honours alongside developing her leadership skills.
“With their complementary styles of leading we feel the playing group are in exceptional hands with Bre, Nat, and the extended leadership team for 2023.”
The AFL is still to finalise the women’s competition draw which kicks off in September.
The Lions along with a number of other clubs are pushing for a 12 game season, which is currently sitting at 10.
Pre-season games will be played at the Springfield Lions centre in August.
Night games are also on the agenda for Springfield.
