Sport
12 April, 2025
Moreton Bay Lions’ QAFLW comp debut
THE Moreton Bay Lions made their Queensland AFLW (QAFLW) debut on Saturday, April 5, at Red Rooster Park against Mornington Peninsula, who were also playing their first match in the competition.
Despite a 19-point loss in their opening game of the season (37–18), Lions coach Shane Dawes said he was extremely impressed with the team’s effort.
“I am really proud of the effort, the girls were just absolutely sensational, fought it right to the very end,” he said.
“We just made some fundamental mistakes. I did try to instruct the team to go for options inside, and they just kept going up and down the line, and that’s what cost us in the end.
“It’s day one of our new adventure, and the spirit is very good. They are a great bunch, and we’ll go even better.” Coach Dawes said the team featured many young, inexperienced players making their debut, but added they would continue to improve.
“We are a very young team. We had four 16-year-olds make their debut today, another couple of 17-year-olds in the team,” he said. “Compared to the opposition, they are all experienced Caulfield players, so I’m absolutely wrapped by the effort.”
This match marked the first time the Moreton Bay Lions have competed in the QAFLW, an important milestone for the club and a significant moment for women in grassroots sport.
“I’m glad to be here. I knew we were good enough, and now it’s actually a matter of working towards that first victory and competing,” Coach Dawes said. “The thing I’m most happy about is that they compete – they don’t stop.”
Lions player Emmerson Brady scored two goals in the team’s debut match at the Queensland level.
