The Brisbane Lions' AFLW side have been bolstered by the return of Renee Cowan for this weekend’s final Winter Series match against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday.
Cowan suffered a medial meniscus tear on the eve of AFLW season two and has been recovering ever since.
The midfielder was unlucky to miss selection in the Lions' inaugural AFLW squad after damaging her ankle just days before the draft.
She starred for Yeronga throughout 2017 and was drafted by the Lions after finishing third in the 20-metre sprint, fifth in the agility test and third in the vertical jump test at the AFLW Combine.
At pick 23, she reunited with fellow Devils teammates Emily Bates, Sabrina Fredrick Traub and Kate McCarthy.
Cowan played in the Lions AFLW 2.0 practice match against GWS before suffering the injury which cruelled her of an AFLW debut.
Lions AFLW CEO Breeanna Brock said that the Lions are excited to welcome Cowan back into the playing group.
“She’s been diligent with her rehab and done it with a smile on her face,” she said.
“I know it’s been hard for her but it’s going to be such a great day to see her out there running around in Lions colours, representing the Club.”
Nineteen AFLW listed Lions players have been named to play in the inaugural women’s QClash on Saturday afternoon at Metricon Stadium.
Brock said the players wouldn’t underestimate the new team on the block.
“We’re not taking it lightly,” she said.
“We’ve set a high standard and we expect them to take this game as seriously as the others.
With a Winter Series clean sweep on the line, Brock is calling on supporters to witness the start of a new Queensland football rivalry.
“Hopefully we get a good vocal crowd there to support Queensland footy.”
The 22 women squad will be cut to 21 on Friday night.
Team
| Player | Guernsey No. |
| Jemma Abbott | 10 |
| Ally Anderson | 18 |
| Emily Bates | 1 |
| Ruby Blair | 24 |
| Shannon Campbell | 20 |
| Arianna Clarke | 21 |
| Gabby Collingwood | 28 |
| Renee Cowan | 26 |
| Sabrina Frederick-Traub | 14 |
| Jessi Henning | 25 |
| Megan Hunt | 6 |
| Leah Kaslar | 11 |
| Jessy Keeffe | 27 |
| Breanna Koenen | 3 |
| Kate Lutkins | 13 |
| Kate McCarthy | 9 |
| Emma Pittman | 29 |
| Sharni Webb | 4 |
| Jessica Wuetschner | 23 |
| Jordan Zanchetta | 7 |
| Emma Zielke | 8 |
Match Details
The Lions AFLW team will play their final Winter Series match on Saturday against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium.
Entry via Gate 3 from 4.30pm AEST
Lions Season Members and AFLW Members will be granted access to match via their membership passes.
Lions spectators are welcomed to sit in General Admission bays 144 and 145.
Entry to the Winter Series clash must be by 5.30pm at the latest.
The match will be a curtain-raiser to the Round 17 AFL clash between Gold Coast and Essendon. Lions Season Members and AFLW Members who attend the Winter Series match (entering the stadium before 5.30pm) are permitted to stay and watch the AFL match without having to purchase a ticket
