Brisbane Lions defender Jade Ellenger is handling two high pressure careers at once as she trains for a home AFLW preliminary final while working as a theatre nurse at Mater Private Hospital Springfield.
Ellenger is preparing for the finals after the Lions earned a week off following their win over Melbourne. Mater confirmed she joined the theatre team three months earlier, soon after completing a master’s degree in nursing at the University of Queensland at the end of 2024.
Mater Private Hospital Springfield reports that Ellenger works in the theatre recovery unit, supporting patients during difficult moments. Staff describe her as committed, and say her strong approach to football translates into the way she provides patient care.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The hospital sits close to the Lions training base at Brighton Homes Arena, which supports her ability to balance training and nursing shifts. She also lives nearby with four teammates, which helps her maintain a steady routine as the finals approach.
Ready For The Preliminary Final
Ellenger has played with the Brisbane Lions since 2018. She remains an important part of the back line, with reliable performances that include strong averages across the season. Her work helped the side reach the preliminary finals against Carlton.
The team aims to secure another grand final spot after earlier premierships in 2021 and 2023. She was also named in the AFLW All Australian squad, reflecting the strength of her recent form.
Support From Both Sides
Mater leadership states they support her football duties and training needs. They describe her as committed, saying her approach on the field carries into her patient care.
The close distance between her home, the hospital and the training venue supports her ability to handle both roles without long commutes. Her teammates also help her manage the combined workload during a busy period for the club.
Growth At Mater Springfield
Mater confirms its Springfield facility is undergoing a major expansion. A nine storey hospital is expected to begin operations in stages from April. The project will grow the workforce, with around 500 new staff to be recruited across services.
The expansion is part of Mater’s plan to meet community needs in a growing region, with Ellenger joining at a time of significant development within the hospital.
Springfield will come alive on Saturday night as the Brisbane Lions AFLW side welcomes the Melbourne Demons to Brighton Homes Arena for a Round 11 clash that doubles as a Diwali Festival celebration.
With gates opening from 4 pm and bounce at 6.15 pm (AEST), it promises to be a special evening for local fans — a blend of top-flight women’s football and a celebration of culture, colour and community at the Lions’ Springfield base.
Hodder returns to spark the forward line
Livewire small forward Courtney Hodder is back after overcoming quad soreness that sidelined her for last week’s 38-point win over Essendon. She replaces Sophie Peters, who has entered concussion protocols.
Coach Craig Starcevich kept faith with Claudia Wright on the interchange alongside Shanae Davison, Poppy Boltz, Ruby Svarc and Eleanor Hartill, while Dee Heslop, Rania Crozier and Ellie Hampson are listed as emergencies.
Hodder’s speed and pressure have been central to Brisbane’s attacking style. Since joining the Lions she has become one of the league’s most dangerous small forwards, known for her ability to turn a half-chance into a goal. Her return adds bite to an already confident side that has been building late-season momentum.
Demons reinforced as rivalry continues
Melbourne have also made changes, regaining Irish utility Blaithin Mackin after a long stint out with calf and knee injuries, and handing a recall to first-year forward Maggie Mahony. Sinead Goldrick misses with an eye injury and Lily Johnson has been omitted.
Saturday’s meeting marks the 11th chapter in one of AFLW’s oldest rivalries. Brisbane and Melbourne began their journeys together in the inaugural 2017 season, facing off in Round 1 of that year. Across ten contests since, the average margin has been just 13 points — a sign of how little separates them.
The rivalry has produced some defining moments: Melbourne’s preliminary-final win at the MCG in 2022 (S6) to secure a first grand-final berth; and their four-point triumph in the 2022 (S7) Grand Final, which delivered the club’s maiden AFLW premiership.
Since then the Lions have held the upper hand, winning both encounters in 2023 (8.5 53 def 4.4 28) and 2024 (5.3 33 def 2.3 15).
Festival atmosphere at Brighton Homes Arena
This weekend’s match will unfold amid the club’s first-ever Diwali Festival. Brighton Homes Arena will feature food stalls, cultural performances, live entertainment and fireworks in what the club calls “a large-scale cultural celebration integrated with an AFLW match-day experience.”
The initiative is part of the Lions’ push to make their Springfield home a hub for community events. The club has also arranged a Hindi-language broadcast for the game, acknowledging the region’s growing South Asian community.
Fans can enter via Gates 1, 2 and 6 from 4 pm, with on-ground festivities running right up to the first bounce.
What’s at stake
With the regular season winding down, both sides are chasing consistency. For Brisbane, it’s about extending recent form and defending home turf. For Melbourne, it’s a chance to rediscover the intensity that underpinned their premiership campaign and to test themselves against a fellow contender.
Whichever way it falls, Brighton Homes Arena will see two of the league’s most familiar foes write another tight chapter — this time under Springfield’s spring skies and festival lights.
Saturday 25 October 2025 | 6.15 pm (AEST) Gates open 4 pm (Gates 1, 2 & 6) Watch live on 7Mate and 7plus, or stream via Foxtel, Kayo and Binge; also available on the AFL and AFLW apps (including a Hindi broadcast for this match).
In Springfield, a new digital program is linking professional women’s footballers with Queensland schoolgirls, giving thousands of teens the tools to build confidence, get active, and learn from AFLW role models, no matter where they live.
The Brisbane Lions’ AFLW team has launched “Inspire”, a digital program to boost teenage girls’ confidence and wellbeing through sport. Delivered via the new Lions Learning platform and backed by Playbk Sports and Queensland’s ActiveKIT, it’s being rolled out in schools statewide.
Over 5,000 students are expected to use the platform this year, with content created at the Lions’ Springfield base, Brighton Homes Arena.
Local School Steps In as Program Pioneer
Woodcrest State College, located in Springfield, has officially partnered with the Brisbane Lions as a pilot school for the Inspire program. As an AFL School of Excellence, Woodcrest is among the first to integrate the curriculum into its learning environment.
Staff and students launched the program at Brighton Homes Arena with Sports Minister Tim Mander, Breeanna Brock, and Taylor Smith. The school hopes it will inspire and empower students in and beyond the classroom.
The Lions say Inspire aims to reach regional and remote communities, where girls have less access to role models and programs than in the city.
Bree Brock, Head of Women’s Football at the Lions, said the digital format helps close that gap. By combining online delivery with in-person sessions, the program ensures even the most remote schools can take part.
AFLW forward Taylor Smith, who also leads the Inspire initiative, says it’s important for young girls to hear from athletes who understand the challenges they face. She believes seeing real players talk about health and confidence helps make the message stick.
Building a Generation of Confident Young Women
Already, more than 135,000 girls across Queensland are involved in AFL through Auskick, school and club football. The Lions hope Inspire will support this growth by showing girls how sport can boost confidence—not just on the field but in everyday life.
On a high-stakes night at Princes Park, the Brisbane Lions’ hopes for consecutive AFLW premierships were shattered by a commanding North Melbourne side. The Lions vs Kangaroos clash ended in a decisive victory, with the final score of 5.9 (39) to 1.3 (9) showcasing the Kangaroos’ dominance.
Despite the Lions’ renowned defensive pressure, they were overwhelmed by North Melbourne’s midfield brilliance, spearheaded by the unstoppable Jasmine Garner. Brisbane’s coaching team tried every trick in the book, with Jade Ellenger and captain Breanna Koenen taking turns to curb Garner’s influence. Yet the North Melbourne star couldn’t be contained, amassing 35 disposals, 22 contested possessions, and 13 tackles in a match-winning display.
The opening quarter set the stage for North’s victory. They surged ahead with the first three goals, building a 17-point lead that Brisbane couldn’t overcome. Ellie Hampson offered a glimmer of hope, converting after a downfield free kick, but it was to be Brisbane’s only major score of the night.
Craig Starcevich praises the Kangaroos
Lions’ coach Craig Starcevich, while disappointed with the result, showed admirable sportsmanship in his post-match reflections. “What I saw in the first half today was the best footy I’ve ever seen in the AFLW,” Starcevich acknowledged, praising North Melbourne’s pressure and quick ball movement.
Despite the disappointment, Brisbane’s sustained excellence continues to define their program. Starcevich also emphasized the increasing competitiveness of the AFLW: “It’s going to be harder and harder to win, so we just have to keep getting better.”
Though the night belonged to North Melbourne, Brisbane’s remarkable consistency in reaching the grand final deserves recognition. As the AFLW continues to evolve, the Lion’s unwavering excellence will keep them firmly in the premiership conversation.
Published 01-December-2024
Match preview published on 26-November-2024.
Lions vs Kangaroos: An AFLW Grand Final Rematch for the Ages
The Brisbane Lions are primed for another defining moment in their AFLW journey as they prepare to face the North Melbourne Kangaroos this Saturday, 30 November in the 2024 AFLW grand final. Lions vs Kangaroos kick off 6:45 p.m. at IKON Park.
The reigning premiers face an undefeated North Melbourne side eager to claim their first premiership, while Brisbane aims for back-to-back flags in familiar territory.
The clash at Melbourne’s IKON Park will once again showcase both teams’ premiership credentials: with the Lions looking to avenge their season-opening defeat and the Kangaroos seeking redemption after their 2023 grand final loss to Brisbane.
Brisbane’s elite status solidified with four players earning All-Australian honours in 2024. Midfield dynamo Ally Anderson, averaging 26.2 disposals and 13.8 contested possessions, secured back-to-back selections. Dynamic winger Sophie Conway, also claiming her second consecutive jacket, averaged 17.4 disposals and 5.1 tackles in a standout season.
First-time selections Belle Dawes (18.8 disposals, 4.3 clearances) and Taylor Smith (22 goals) have proven themselves as stars, with Smith forming a lethal forward partnership alongside Dakota Davidson.
Lions vs Kangaroos
North Melbourne, last season’s runners-up and this season’s undefeated minor premiers (10-1-0), will challenge a battle-hardened Brisbane side. The Lions’ campaign for a third premiership will rely on their All-Australian quartet and the experience gained from five straight preliminary final appearances and three consecutive grand final appearances.
In Round 1 at Brighton Homes Arena, North Melbourne broke their Brisbane hoodoo with a commanding 44-point victory, their first win over the Lions in six attempts. Brisbane, however, showed resilience, going 11-1 since that early season setback to secure another grand final berth.
Kate Lutkins announces retirement
The grand final week announcement of Kate Lutkins’ retirement adds extra motivation for the pride. The three-time All-Australian and 2021 grand final best-on-ground performer leaves an indelible mark on the club, with coach Craig Starcevich praising her transition to mentoring the current squad during this finals campaign.
“It’s been such an awesome career, I’m really thankful to have been part of this program, especially the last two years,” Lutkins said, having been with the Lions since their inaugural season.
The stage is set for an epic encounter between two AFLW powerhouses, with the Lions determined to add another chapter to their proud history. For Brisbane faithful, Saturday’s battle for supremacy can’t come soon enough.
The Brisbane Lions have stormed into their third straight AFLW grand final, as Lions vs Crows delivered another triumph for the maroon, blue and gold with Brisbane overwhelming Adelaide by 18 points at Brighton Homes Arena.
The 7.8 (50) to 4.8 (32) triumph sets up a blockbuster rematch with undefeated North Melbourne at Ikon Park on Saturday, 30 November.
The defending champions will face their biggest test yet against North Melbourne, who demonstrated their premiership credentials with a dominant preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide. The clash presents Brisbane with an opportunity to defend their crown against the season’s only undefeated team, in a replay of their memorable 2023 grand final triumph.
Lions vs Crows
Brisbane’s midfield dominance was led by Orla O’Dwyer and Ally Anderson (24 disposals each), while Dakota Davidson proved dangerous up forward with 2.3 from 14 possessions. Adelaide’s Ebony Marinoff (30 disposals), Anne Hatchard (25), and Chelsea Randall (18 disposals, two goals) fought hard in defeat.
Dakota Davidson’s influence proved pivotal in shifting momentum during the second quarter. The dynamic forward’s strong contested marking and unconventional falcon assist to set up Courtney Hodder’s goal sparked Brisbane’s revival when they needed it most.
After trailing at half-time, the Lions unleashed a devastating four-goal assault in the third quarter that transformed the contest. Brisbane’s increased tempo and precise ball movement proved too much for Adelaide in humid conditions, with Cathy Svarc emerging as the catalyst. Svarc doubled her disposal count and contributed directly to two crucial goals that broke the game open.
On the brink of history—again
The victory marks Brisbane’s sixth consecutive win over Adelaide and continues their remarkable run of reaching six AFLW grand finals in nine seasons since the AFL Women’s inception—missing the finals series just once in that span. Another grand final victory would secure their third premiership, matching Adelaide’s record and cementing their legacy as the AFLW’s most successful club.
As they prepare for next week’s decider, the Lions’ ability to overcome early adversity and finish strongly, alongside their winning legacy, positions them as worthy challengers to North Melbourne’s perfect season.
The Brisbane Lions vs Hawks qualifying final lived up to its billing, with the reigning premiers surviving a fierce challenge to claim a six-point victory away at Ikon Park.
Brisbane’s 6.2 (38) to 4.8 (32) triumph books their fifth-straight preliminary final appearance and secures crucial home ground advantage after a week’s rest.
Following a challenging week marked by crowd incidents in round 10, Dakota Davidson made an immediate impact, opening the scoring with an impressive display of athleticism. The Lions’ all-time leading goalkicker gathered a ground ball and converted truly, setting the tone for her standout performance.
The Hawks controlled the early stages, building an 11-point advantage in the second quarter. However, their inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly, converting just two majors from seven scoring opportunities.
Brisbane’s trademark attacking flair ignited after halftime, with Ruby Svarc sparking the comeback. Her dynamic play created crucial scoring opportunities, leading to back-to-back goals from Cathy Svarc and Taylor Smith that shifted momentum in Brisbane’s favour. Davidson’s second goal in the final term, celebrated with a defiant hair ruffle, built a crucial 12-point buffer.
Brisbane’s defensive unit stood tall after a slow offensive start, with Bre Koenen, Nat Grider, and Jennifer Dunne proving impenetrable. Ally Anderson grew into the game despite close attention from Mattea Breed, while Orla O’Dwyer’s 17 disposals provided important drive.
After the Lions vs Hawks match, Brisbane faces an anxious wait regarding midfielder Belle Dawes’s availability for the preliminary final after a second-quarter incident involving Hawk Ainslie Kemp.
Dawes, charging at full pace, attempted to pull out of a tackle but collected Kemp high. While Kemp passed her concussion assessment and returned to play, the incident’s impact on Brisbane’s finals campaign remains uncertain.
The victory grants Brisbane a week’s rest before hosting either Adelaide or Fremantle at the Brighton Homes Arena. The Lions’ championship defence continues to gather momentum, with their ability to overcome adversity reinforcing their premiership credentials as they pursue a spot in their third consecutive grand final.
Fresh off a shock defeat, the Brisbane Lions women’s team look to bounce back when they host the Sydney Swans this Sunday, 27 October. The crucial clash comes as the Lions aim to secure a top-two finish and the home qualifying final that comes with it. Lions vs Swans kick off 4:05 p.m. at the Brighton Homes Arena.
The twelfth-placed Cats delivered an unexpected blow to Brisbane’s campaign last Sunday, outplaying the Lions in a defensive masterclass that resulted in a 7.5 (47) to 5.7 (37) victory at GMHBA Stadium. The loss marked Brisbane’s first defeat since the opening round, with the usually potent Lions’ forward line unable to break through Geelong’s defensive pressure.
The Lions face a significant challenge with key forward Dakota Davidson ruled out due to concussion protocols following a heavy fall in the second quarter of the Geelong match. Davidson’s absence was notably felt in the second half, as Brisbane struggled to maintain their offensive efficiency.
Despite this setback, there were positive signs for Brisbane. Teenage sensation Charlie Mullins continued her impressive form with 18 disposals and a goal, while Orla O’Dwyer made a successful return from injury, contributing 14 disposals and two goals.
Lions vs Swans implications
With just two rounds remaining in the home-and-away season, the race for a top-two finish intensifies. The Lions’ main competition includes second-placed Hawthorn, who face fifth-placed Richmond in the final round, and third-placed Kuwarna, set to battle the undefeated league-leaders Kangaroos this weekend.
Brisbane’s final home-and-away fixture will see them travel to RSEA Park in Melbourne to face tenth-placed Yoorook. The Lions cannot afford to underestimate their opponents after last weekend’s wake-up call.
The clash against the fifteenth-placed Swans presents an ideal opportunity for the Lions to return to the dominant form that characterised their seven-game winning streak. With finals implications looming large, Brisbane’s response to this recent setback could define their premiership defence.
The Brisbane Lions Women have bounced back impressively after a season-opening loss to North Melbourne. With five victories on the trot, including a nail-biting win against the previously undefeated Adelaide Crows, the defending champions have firmly established themselves as AFLW contenders once more.
In a thrilling match at Brighton Homes Arena, star forward Taylor Smith secured a crucial win for Brisbane with a last-minute goal. The Lions’ tight 5.5 (35) to 5.3 (33) triumph over Adelaide showcased the defending premiers’ ability to perform under pressure.
Smith’s accurate 25m set shot with just 100 seconds left secured the win, cementing her status as the AFLW’s most lethal goal-kicker this season.
The victory against Adelaide propels Brisbane to second place on the ladder, boasting a 5-1 record. Only the unbeaten North Melbourne (5-0-1) stands above them. With the season halfway through, the Lions are primed for another finals run.
The recent win came at a cost, with Orla O’Dwyer suffering a dislocated left shoulder. O’Dwyer is expected to be out for two to three weeks, and Brisbane’s depth will be tested as they navigate this injury setback.
What’s next for the Lions Women?
Fortunately, the Lions face a favourable schedule ahead with five games remaining in the season. Four of their upcoming opponents currently sit outside the finals series spots, presenting an opportunity to solidify their position.
In a short season, every match counts—one loss could mean a tumble down the ladder. The team must remain sharp, especially for their upcoming away clash against 13th-placed Carlton this Saturday, 5 October at 7:15 p.m.
The Lions’ dominance mirrors the club’s overall positive trajectory, following the men’s team’s premiership victory. This dual success has energised the Lions faithful, fostering a palpable sense of optimism around the club.
As the AFLW season enters its second half, the Brisbane Lions women’s team appears poised for a strong finish. Their combination of skilled goal-kicking, midfield dominance, and clutch performances positions them strongly for another shot at glory.
The Brisbane Lions are gearing up for a crucial mid-week match against the Western Bulldogs this Wednesday, 18 September. Lions vs Bulldogs kick off 7:15 p.m. at the Brighton Homes Arena.
Coming off a dominant 52-point victory over Collingwood, the Lions are looking to maintain their momentum and secure their third consecutive win.
The Lions’ recent form has been impressive, with last week’s comprehensive 52-point victory over Collingwood showcasing the team’s highest capabilities.
Standout performances from Sophie Conway, Belle Dawes, and Taylor Smith contributed to the weekend trouncing and will be crucial in the mid-week match against the Bulldogs.
Lions vs Bulldogs
In an exciting development, the Lions have confirmed that Evie Long will make her AFLW debut against Footscray. Long, a product of the Lions Academy, becomes the second draftee to debut for the club this season, following Sophie Peters.
As the Lions enter a demanding period of three games in ten days, including a trip to Perth to face the West Coast Eagles, the coaching staff has made the decision to manage Shannon Campbell’s workload.
This strategic move highlights the team’s focus on long-term performance during this condensed fixture, reflecting their faith in the squad’s depth to compensate for any short-term setbacks.
Head coach Craig Starcevich and his team will be aiming to replicate the flair and joy that characterised their 2023 premiership-winning season. With a current record of two wins and one loss, the Lions have an opportunity to solidify their position in the league with another strong performance.
As Brisbane prepares to face the Western Bulldogs, fans can expect an exciting contest that will test the defending premier’s ability to maintain their winning ways in the face of a challenging schedule.
Reigning AFLW premiers, the Brisbane Lions, will take on the all-too-familiar Collingwood Magpies this Friday, 13 September. Both teams are eager to assert dominance early in the season, with the Lions aiming to maintain their strong record against the Magpies. Lions vs Magpies kick off 5:05 p.m. at the Brighton Homes Arena.
Brisbane holds a 6-4 advantage in their head-to-head record against Collingwood, having won five of their last six encounters. The Lions’ recent dominance over the Magpies began with a narrow 3-point victory at Whitten Oval in 2021, a pivotal moment in their premiership-winning campaign.
This match marks the tenth time Brisbane has hosted Collingwood, a league record for home games against a single opponent. Curiously, these ten matches have been played across eight different grounds in six cities, reflecting the Lions’ nomadic existence in recent seasons.
Brighton Homes Arena is the only venue where Brisbane has yet to defeat Collingwood, adding extra motivation for the Lions to secure their first victory on this revamped home turf.
As Brisbane prepares to face Collingwood, their defensive pressure and ability to force turnovers will be key to securing a win. If the Lions can maintain their intensity in the forward half, they stand a strong chance of limiting Collingwood’s scoring opportunities.
The Lions look to capitalise on their home ground advantage and build on last week’s success in this clash against Collingwood, another exciting chapter in their growing rivalry.
