Brisbane Lions AFLW teammates will put loyalties and friendships aside when they head into battle in Club colours for 2017’s Bond University QWAFL Grand Final on Sunday afternoon at Yeronga.

Lions AFLW Captain Emma Zielke will run on for minor-premiers the Coorparoo Kings, with Jessica Wuetschner, Brittany Gibson and Ally Anderson joining her.

Standing in their way of a QWAFL premiership is Yeronga South Brisbane and AFLW Lions players Sabrina Frederick-Traub, Emily Bates, Samantha Virgo and Kate McCarthy.

“I love a hard game and it’s what makes footy so great,” Frederick-Traub said.

It was exactly this time last year Frederick-Traub watched Yeronga go down to Coolangatta by just two points in 2016’s QWAFL grand final.  She had just moved from Perth and was about to start her inaugural AFLW season with the Brisbane Lions.

She had just moved from Perth and was about to start her inaugural AFLW season with the Brisbane Lions.

Twelve months on, it’s fortuitous Frederick-Traub will join Yeronga in their hunt for redemption.

“Not knowing who those faces were last year and watching them in their fight for the game and now knowing exactly who those people are, it’s pretty exciting to put this jumper on this weekend and fight with them.”

Each side are under no illusion how tough the contest for the silverware will be.  

Frederick-Traub is wary of her Lions Captain and Kings midfielder Zielke.

“Nothing but greatness. She just carries herself very well. Wherever she goes, the team follows.”

For Zielke, she is immensely proud her team has made the final, after being out of contention for some time. 

“For us to finish on top of the ladder and straight into the grand final is a big achievement,” she said.

She says the week off after winning the minor premiership was critical for her Kings teammates.

“For us it’s a good thing, just because we did have a few wounded soldiers after the first final. So a good refresh is really good for us and we’re itching to get out there on Sunday.”

Zielke is on high-alert, knowing what her Yeronga opposition can offer.

“They’ve been the team to beat all year,” she said.

“They move the ball really fast. Obviously, they’ve got Kate McCarthy who’s the fastest in our league and even the AFLW. Trying to shut down her influence will be a big challenge for us.  And no doubt Sabs [Frederick-Traub] will be a handful as well.”

Both teams have promised not to shy away from the trash talk on field.

“It will be a lot of fun. I love banter, especially from Zilks. She loves throwing a bit of chat,” Frederick-Traub said.

Since the AFLW’s inception last year both players have been astounded at the boom in participation locally in south-east Queensland.

“I think the passion part has grown this year. I think now that there is an AFLW everyone is fighting to make those squads,” Frederick-Traub said.

Zielke agrees, “The difference of skill level is there but they’ve still got the amount of passion we have playing for the Brisbane Lions as they do at Coorparoo.”

Although rivals on Sunday, the pair are unanimous in their excitement for the approaching second AFLW season. But their patience is being tested, as it’s still another two months away.

“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s going to be a challenge. Last year people didn’t know what to expect. I think again this year it’s going to be exactly the same,” Frederick-Traub said.   

“I hope we can bring it season two and hopefully get in that grand final again.”

The Bond University QWAFL Grand Final between Coorparoo and Yeronga-South Brisbane starts at 3:15pm this Sunday on Oval 1, Leyshon Park, Yeronga.

Earlier in the afternoon Bond University will take on Yeronga-South Brisbane at 1pm in the QWFA Division 1 final.

Broadbeach and Kendron will play at 10:45am for the QWFA Division 2 title.