To reach one grand final is a significant achievement for any sports team. But to make it to seven in a decade is a testament to a truly exceptional team and leadership. Craig Starcevich will guide the Brisbane Lions into their seventh AFLW Grand Final on Saturday, facing North Melbourne for the 2025 premiership for the third consecutive year. This marks an impressive seven grand finals in ten seasons for Brisbane, including winning titles in 2021 and 2023.
The Lions’ consistent success under Starcevich is even more remarkable considering the challenges they have faced, including significant poaching raids from rival expansion clubs. Despite losing top players like All-Australians Tayla Harris, Sabrina Frederick, and Tahlia Randall, Starcevich has kept the Lions at the forefront of the competition, consistently finishing in the top four.
Overcoming Player Exodus
The Lions’ journey has not been without its hurdles. Over the years, they have seen a significant exodus of talent. Randall, Ashmore, Jamie Stanton, and Brittany Gibson joined their grand final opponents North Melbourne before the club’s entry into the competition in 2019. In 2020, seven players, including senior leaders Leah Kaslar and Sam Virgo, moved to cross-town rivals Gold Coast.
In subsequent years, the Lions lost key players such as Emily Bates and Greta Bodey to Hawthorn, and Jesse Wardlaw and Lulu Pullar also departed. Despite these losses, Starcevich’s team has remained resilient, a testament to the strong culture he has cultivated.
“Proof’s in the pudding. They’ve lost a lot of good players and had significant list turnover with the way the AFLW has evolved, but they’ve maintained their ability to keep winning,” said Australian Football Hall of Fame legend Leigh Matthews.
The Starcevich Effect
Starcevich’s impact on the team is undeniable. A premiership player for Collingwood in 1990, he also contributed to Brisbane’s success as a fitness coach during their early 2000s three-peat era. His experience and understanding of winning cultures have been pivotal in the Lions’ sustained success.
Leigh Matthews, reflecting on Starcevich’s achievements, noted, “He’s reliable and consistent. It’s been remarkable. Seven grand finals in 10 years is an incredible effort in any sport.”
Building a Winning Culture
The Lions have managed to retain a core group of players despite the challenges. Cathy Svarc, Courtney Hodder, and Taylor Smith chose to stay with Brisbane despite interest from other clubs. This loyalty speaks volumes about the environment Starcevich has fostered.
Starcevich, the last remaining inaugural AFLW coach, has been instrumental in building a resilient and successful team. His ability to handle adversity, as seen in his own career, has clearly influenced his coaching philosophy.
“It was a difficult time for Craig and difficult time for us. It was all part of the arrangement to get Nathan Buckley in,” Matthews recounted, highlighting Starcevich’s strength of character.
The Road Ahead
As the Lions prepare for their next grand final, they face a formidable opponent in North Melbourne, who are on a record 26-game winning streak. However, the Lions have proven time and again that they should not be underestimated. A victory on Saturday would not only add to their legacy but also tie them with Adelaide for the most AFLW premierships in history.
Starcevich’s Lions have the opportunity to solidify their status as the team of the decade, with a chance to claim their third AFLW premiership. As the Lions and Kangaroos prepare to clash, the stakes are high, and history is on the line.
Regardless of the outcome, Starcevich’s contributions to the Lions and the AFLW are undeniable. His leadership has set a benchmark for excellence, resilience, and success in women’s football.
