Cathy Svarc
Cathy played all games for the Lions in her first year of professional football. The 28-year-old exploded onto the football stage with her tackling pressure, speed and aggression impressive to all. She played her earlier matches in the defensive line before she was moved to the middle of the ground to complete tagging roles, which she excelled at. Her best performance was the Lions’ Round 4 win over GWS where she had 23-disposals, 11-tackles and two-goals.
"I felt right at home straight away and very grateful to be apart of the Lions family."
"I loved the challenge of playing and training in such an elite environment and pushing myself physically and mentally"
Rheanne Lugg
Rheanne arrived at the Lions via the Adelaide Crows, where she played six AFLW games in 2018. The 30-year-old was amongst the Lions most consistent players for the year, playing most of her footy in the wing position. She kicked three goals for the year, including two against Gold Coast in Round 3 and averaged 11 disposals and two tackles per game.
Dakota Davidson
Dakota instantly endeared herself to Lions fans with her exciting and passionate goal celebrations. The forward played six games and kicked two goals. Unfortunately she missed the Lions Semi Final against Carlton due to a corked thigh.
"My first season was absolutely unreal! From the atmosphere at each of our games to the pre-season running. I've loved every minute."
"A highlights would definitely be the Crows game in round 1, nothing can compare to the feeling of winning on debut."
Maria Moloney
Maria, also another mature-aged recruit, was named in Craig Starcevich’s Round 1 team against the Adelaide Crows and kept her position for the rest of the AFLW season.
Moloney was a tough, inside midfielder who always put her head over the footy. She averaged 11 disposals and three tackles per game in the 2020 season.
Greta Bodey
Greta was selected as an ‘other-sport’ rookie in the Lions 2019 pre-season, due to her strong soccer background. She was selected in the Round 1 team and instantly made an impact with her speed and pressure in the forward line. She played six games for the season, kicked two goals ad averaged three tackles per game.
Orla O’Dwyer
Orla, recruited from Tipperary, Ireland, was solid in her first season of football, let alone AFLW. The winger/forward played all seven games for the Lions in 2020 and even kicked a goal against the Adelaide Crows in her first match. Her pace was a real strength, setting a new club record in the pre-season 2km time trial, and was very evident on the field.
Lily Postlethwaite
Lily, a former Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy product, was quick to demonstrate that she was not out of place in her first year of football. The winger’s strongest game for the Club was Round 2’s win over Geelong in Victoria where she had seven disposals and six tackles. She also kicked a goal in the win over the GIANTS in Round 4.
"It was an unreal experience and definitely a season to remember"
"I loved every moment of it, especially the cheer from our fans, and I can't wait for it to start all over again"
Belle Dawes
Belle, another Lions Academy product, gave her first year of senior footy everything – her enthusiasm could not be underestimated. The tough, inside midfielder had her strongest game in Round 3’s draw against the SUNS where she had 12 disposals and one tackle.
Lucy Bellinger
Lucy moved to Brisbane from South Australia after being taken at pick #20 in the AFLW Draft. She played her first and only AFLW game so far with her parents watching on from behind a fence. Lucy’s debut in the forward line was Round 6’s game against Collingwood, which was closed to spectators due to Covid-19.
Tahlia Hickie
Tahlia had an even stranger AFLW debut – playing her first game in an AFLW Semi Final against Carlton in front of an empty Ikon Park. The former Academy product is a versatile defender and ruck who can play anywhere across the ground.
