Brisbane Lions miss finals for second time in 11 years
Brisbane Lions finished outside the AFLW finals for only the second time in eleven seasons after winning just four games.
The Lions finished outside the finals for just the second time since the AFLW began eleven years ago, shocking a club that has won two premierships and made more Grand Final appearances than any other team.
Belle Dawes, the team's co-vice-captain, said missing finals was new for most players who grew up winning. Despite the tough year, the Lions are staying committed to their future.
Dawes signed an extension through 2030. Coach Craig Starcevich turned down an offer from Tasmania to stay.
Defender Jade Ellenger signed on for four more years and midfielder Ally Anderson for two more. Dawes said the hard season taught the team resilience and showed who their real leaders were.
The Lions finish their season on Saturday against Carlton.
- Four
- Wins in 2026 season
- 11
- AFLW seasons
- Two
- Premierships won
- Belle Dawes
- Co-vice-captain
Why it mattersA dominant AFLW club hitting a down year shows even the strongest teams can slip, and how quickly their rebuild could begin with players committing to stay.
AustraliaBrisbane's football dominance has shaped the AFLW's first decade; a year outside finals may shuffle the competition's balance heading into 2027.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
