AFLW Lions receive keys to city following premiership win

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner presented Keys to the City of Brisbane to the AFLW Lions following their recent premiership win. The Keys to the City is the highest honour in the gift of local government authorities.

Images: Tina Eastley

Brisbane’s AFLW Lions team defeated the Adelaide Crows to claim the season premiership the previous Saturday.

The AFLW Lions took their first premiership with an 18-point victory at the Adelaide Oval.

Kate Lutkins

Brisbane’s Kate Lutkins played despite pain from an injured foot. She told the ABC she will undergo surgery during the next few weeks.

“I partially tore my plantar fascia in round eight … so I’m looking forward to getting it better finally.

“I’ll have rehab and come back stronger next season.”

The injury obviously did not hold Kate back and she was awarded the medal for the best player on the ground. She paid testament to the strong team spirit.

“The culture and bond that this group has is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced in my life, so it’s really special.”

Captain Emma Zielke

Team captain Emma Zielke suffered a hamstring injury early in the third quarter and finished the game on the bench. She announced her retirement after the game. As captain of the club’s inaugural team in the 2017-18 season, Emma goes out on a high after captaining the Lions to their premiership win. The club narrowly lost the 2017 and 2018 grand finals and didn’t make the grand final in 2019. There was no grand final in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pride Round

Earlier this year, the Brisbane Lions played in the inaugural AFLW Pride Round. The team wore specially designed Rainbow Pride guernseys.

Team member Lauren Arnell said at the time, “I’m so excited that we get to wear this guernsey.

“We are a club and a team that cares for each other and accepts each other no matter our differences.

“We are a club for everyone, we embrace diversity, and we believe all people should be treated equally.”

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