Brisbane Lions have transformed their playing style ahead of Saturday's AFLW grand final against North Melbourne, driven by the pain of last year's defeat. The Lions lost the 2024 decider to the Kangaroos, prompting a complete rethink of their approach under coach Craig Starcevich.
Forward Ruby Svarc said the loss remains a powerful motivator. 'We're so determined. It drives everything,' she told reporters. 'So it's definitely always there in the back of our minds and we're a really, really determined group.'
After losing three of their first five matches this season, including a 29-point defeat to North Melbourne in round five, Brisbane have won nine consecutive games. Svarc dismissed suggestions the early losses indicated a slump, saying the team had 'added layers to our game plan' and learned from defeats.
The Lions face an unbeaten North Melbourne side seeking a third straight premiership. Svarc was cautious about whether the Kangaroos' lack of losses could become a disadvantage. 'I don't know if it's a disadvantage, but potentially it might come into play if they start to be challenged,' she said.
Saturday's grand final at Princes Park in Melbourne starts at 7:45pm AEDT. A win would give Brisbane its second AFLW title and add to the city's recent sporting success, following AFL, NRL and NRLW premierships this year.
