The Lions AFLW team are roaring after winning their second consecutive QW Winter Series match against the Gold Coast SUNS in Mackay yesterday afternoon.

The Lions pounced early at the Great Barrier Reef Arena with Dakota Davidson, Gabby Collingwood and Sharni Webb all kicking goals in the first quarter.

Heading into halftime the away side had a 22-0 lead.

Coach Craig Starcevich said the players were switched on the moment they stepped onto the field and their preparation in the lead up had been exemplary.

“Our senior players stood up and got the game on our terms early,” he said.

Reigning best and fairest winner Ally Anderson was superb in her first Winter Series clash, with her intensity high from the first siren.

“Didn’t miss a beat, she’s played the last couple of weeks in the VFL,” Starcevich said.

Selina Priest (nee Goodman) was also amongst the best players on the day. Yesterdays’ match was her first game for the Lions since 2017, when she was a member of their inaugural AFLW team.

Priest made the most of her opportunity and was outstanding in the Lions’ backline.

“Her run and carry of the footy and use of the ball by foot was fantastic,” Starcevich said.

“She’s probably spent a few years now trying to work out what her best role is.”

Jessica Wuetschner, who has played this Winter Series in the backline, produced another strong performance.

“Reading the play and intercepting and then setting up our attack well. She’s a great kick,” he said.

The Lions would go on to defeat the SUNS 32-13, with Shannon Campbell kicking the team’s fourth goal.

Starcevich said for Game 3 at The Gabba the team will need to capitalize more in front of goal.

“We controlled a lot of the play without being able to capitalize scoring wise,” he said.

For the Coach, one of the most pleasing aspects has been how close the team has become and their unity on field. Some players are on the Lions AFLW list, others are stars in the local QAFLW league and there are also players from the Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy.

“We could see that as soon as they got on the plane, there was lots of chatter and integration. You can tell that they’re close and really we’ve got three separate parts to the team,” he said.

“To get together on the field and perform well has been really pleasing.”

The third and final QW Winter Series match will take place at The Gabba on Saturday 13 July at 2pm.