Lions' Slump: Brisbane's AFLW Team Faces Uphill Battle for Finals Contention
The Brisbane Lions' AFLW team is facing an unfamiliar challenge as they struggle to stay in contention for a finals series. A loss against Hawthorn would mathematically eliminate them from finals contention.
Brisbane's AFLW team is facing an unfamiliar challenge as they enter their round nine match against Hawthorn, sitting outside the top eight and struggling to stay in contention for a finals series.
A loss would mathematically eliminate them from finals contention, a stark contrast to their usual dominance in the league. The Lions have a history of consistency, missing finals only once in 2019 and making seven of nine grand finals.
A perfect storm of personnel problems
The team's struggles can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a significant overhaul of their roster during the off-season. Two-time premiership forward Taylor Smith was traded to Sydney, along with premiership duo Poppy Boltz and Ellie Hampson, who joined Greater Western Sydney and Port Adelaide, respectively.