Brisbane Lions Women’s Assistant Coach Brent Staker is relishing the challenge of mentoring the Club’s inaugural AFL Women's team.

Staker retired in 2015 but has continued his involvement in AFL by playing for the Western Magpies in the QAFL, along with coaching the Australian Masters team in England and Ireland.

“I’ve got a good understanding of the players and the role itself has been a challenge as well. I’m starting to get my head around coaching and really enjoying it.”

Staker believes amongst his crop of forwards, New Zealand born Jade Ransfield offers plenty of versatility. With good overhead ability, Ransfield plays the third tall role inside 50 very well and is a good set-shot at goal.

The 19-year-old was the equal leading goal kicker in the QWAFL in 2016 - kicking 12 goals in the final game of the season. She also co-captained the Under 18’s state side in 2015.

Speaking to Lions TV ahead of the team’s first practice match against the Giants on Saturday, Ransfield reflected on her hopes for the inaugural AFLW Season:

“It’s just really playing our style of footy. We want to do what we can to finish off the hard work the team has been doing down the field. It’s about getting numbers to the footy and that happens with a well-structured forward line,” said Ransfield.

Staker said the match against the Giants will provide an opportunity to test his forward line structure ahead of round 1.

“This time of year we want to see the girls get a game under their belts, play their position properly for the full entirety of a match and then I can work out where is best to play them.

“I’d just like to see them really competitive this weekend.”

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