Jessica Wuetschner has been named in Coach Craig Starcevich’s 21-women team ahead of the Lions’ season opener against the Adelaide Crows on Saturday afternoon.

Eight women will play their first game for the Lions when they take on the reigning premiers. 2018 AFLW Rising Star nominee Sophie Conway returns for her first AFLW game in more than a year, after recovering from an ACL injury.

Cathy Svarc, Maria Moloney, Greta Bodey, Dakota Davidson, Irish recruit Orla O’Dwyer and Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy graduates, Lily Postlethwaite and Belle Dawes will make their AFLW debut. Rheanne Lugg will play her first match in Lions colours after playing six games for the Adelaide Crows.

Starcevich said the new players add more speed and strength to the group.

“It’s a different looking forward set-up from what we’ve had in previous years at the Lions, but it’s built around that speed and athleticism we’ve injected into the group,” he said.

“It’s a bit of an unknown but we think with the staff and the experienced players we’ll have around them on game day we should be able to keep that to a minimum.”

The Lions have not met the Crows since Round 1, 2018, which has been challenging for the coaching staff’s preparation.

“It has been because we’re completely different and they haven’t changed too much,” Starcevich said.

“They will be missing key personnel, with Chelsea Randall and Erin Phillips out injured.

“We’ve had some amazing battles from them in the first two years of the competition and we’re expecting the rivalry to continue.”

Entry is FREE for the match at 4:10pm at Hickey Park, Saturday 8 February.