The Brisbane Lions AFLW team is calling the Sunshine Coast home this year and rising star Isabel Dawes says its presence should provide a boost to the region and women’s footy.
The reigning premiers will play all of their home games at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex, including a Round 5 blockbuster against Collingwood (February 5).
They’re also due to host Carlton (January 15), Geelong (January 29), Melbourne (February 20) and North Melbourne (Date TBC).
Local product Dawes, 20, was delighted to get the opportunity to play at home.
“When they announced that we were going to play here, it was like two worlds coming together for me,” she said.
“It’s pretty good for us Lions girls from the Coast, to play where we live.”
The Lions’ games should provide the region with nation-wide exposure, while giving Sunshine Coast sport a kick.
Dawes said local players would be inspired by the matches at Maroochydore.
“For the local girls to be able to come down to the games and see where they could get and to be a part of it, in their backyard, should help football grow here,” she said.
“I think it’s great for the girls here … a lot of them are really getting around it.”
Dawes is originally from Victoria but moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2014 and played for Coolum Beach as a junior, before linking with the Maroochydore Roos and the Brisbane Lions Academy.
She’s among a host of Coast products drafted by the Lions in recent years, including Bella Smith, Maggie Harmer, Mikayla Pauga and Lily Postlethwaite. They have joined Sharni Webb and Shannon Campbell at the club.
They’re leading, and inspiring, a new generation of Sunshine Coast footballers.
“Heaps of girls now get drafted from here,” Dawes said.
“I think there’s always been talent on the Sunny Coast but there wasn’t a place for those girls to go and play.
“Some of us stuck it out and pushed through and did the regular drives to Brisbane.
“But now, girls can play at a good level here, in the junior leagues and with the academies.
“I think that’s helping the game grow here. Everyone has a place to play footy and it’s good quality.”
She said the local football scene had changed dramatically during the past few years.
“When I played local footy here there was only four teams in the girls under-17 league, but now they’ve got academies here for 17s, and 13s.”
“It’s grown heaps here and this (the Lions’ presence) will push it further and faster.”
Dawes is regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in the game, winning a premiership and claiming a Rising Star nomination in just her second season.
She’s primed for 2022.
“In my first season, I got a bit of confidence and in my second season I got my hands on the ball a bit more and made better relationships with team-mates,” she said.
“This year, I really feel like this is where I belong and I feel a part of it.
“I know what to expect and I know the things that work for me and the things that don’t.”
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The Lions were scheduled to open their season against West Coast in Perth on January 9, but that has changed after the Western Australian Government limited travel from Queensland, due to rising COVID cases in the Sunshine State.
They will now travel to Adelaide to take on the Crows that day, instead, and will play the Eagles away on February 26.
With the impact of COVID causing disruptions, delays and cancellations, Dawes said the Lions were prepared for anything this year.
“We’re just grateful to be able to play and train,” she said.
“Last year taught us to be adaptable. Things are changing left, right and centre.
“So we have an anywhere, anytime kind of mentality.
“We got through pre-season, which is what we’ve been focused on and now we’ve got to get ready for Round 1.
“Whoever that is against and wherever it is, I feel like we’re ready.”
Brisbane Lions’ home fixtures at Maroochydore
- Round 2: v Carlton, Saturday, January 15, 4.10pm.
- Round 4: v Geelong Cats, Saturday, January 29, 4.10pm.
- Round 5: v Collingwood, Saturday, February 5, 4.10pm.
- Round 7: v Melbourne, Sunday, February 20, 2.10pm.
- Round 9: v Kangaroos, date and time to be confirmed.
