Brisbane Lions Women’s Coach Craig Starcevich says Saturday’s practice match against the GWS Giants will provide a perfect opportunity to test game-plan and team structure ahead of round one.

“We’ve gone through a lot the past week in terms of our game style and game plan,” said Starcevich.

“We’re still learning that and tinkering with a few different bits and pieces but players have taken it on really well.”

Starcevich said his group were prepared both physically and mentally for the challenge of their first match against AFL opposition.

Craig Starcevich speaks to the team at training. (Photo: Cassie Burton)

“We think we’re prepared, there will be some things that will take some work over the next week or two with our style and some structure parts of our play but their preparation physically, they’ve done a super job to get into the position they are now.”

“GWS are going to be a tough team to counter, they’ve recruited very well from interstate.

“Emma Swanson is probably going to be one that’s going to be really hard to handle through the midfield.

“They are going to have a lot of players we’re going to have to keep a close eye on. Nicola Barr and Maddy Collier and a few others through their midfield group are going to be quite a handful for us to match up on.

“To play against an opposition is going to be invaluable this time of year.”

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