With Pick No. 56, the Brisbane Lions have selected Tori Groves-Little at the 2018 AFLW Draft.

At just 17 years of age, Groves-Little was a joint winner of the QWAFL’s Best and Fairest award this year with four best-on-ground performances for Coorparoo in her first year of senior women’s football.

Able to play in a variety of positions, Groves-Little is most at home on the wing or running off the half-back flank. She possesses exceptional speed and a clean set of hands.

She has a sporting background like none other, having competed in competitive skipping for several years.

After switching to AFL, she found herself in the National Academy and was one of the star performers for Queensland in this year’s U18 Championships.

Coaches Comment – Craig Starcevich

“Her run-and-carry is the bit that sets her apart. Using her speed to defend is an area she’s really improved, so we're really pleased about that.

"She had some run-with roles in the under-18 championships, which she did really well. We're trying to round her off a bit defensively, but I think she made a big step forward this year.

"She had four best-on-grounds in the QWAFL season, which is a good effort for her first year in seniors. 

“The most pleasing thing was Tori had a top-three performance in the preliminary final, so she's been reasonably consistent throughout the year."

Welcome to the den, Tori!