AFLW: Analea McKee signs contract with Brisbane Lions

Analea McKee was faced with a choice of putting her career and education on hold for her AFLW dream. She didn’t think twice about taking up the challenge.

Football VFLW elimination final: Geelong v Southern Saints at Waurn Ponds. left Southern Saints 22 Sarah Black and Geelong 65 Analea McKee Picture: Mark Wilson

Even as she quit two jobs and deferred her university degree, there was no hesitation for Analea McKee to turn her life upside down and take a chance by moving north and joining the Brisbane Lions.

The former St Albans and Geelong Amateur star was added to the Lions’ AFLW list on Tuesday, as an injury replacement player.

Off the back off a season of strong performances for Geelong’s VFLW side, McKee was flown north for a trial with the Lions earlier this month and was happy to immediately put her life on hold for the chance to play AFLW.

New Brisbane Lions AFLW signing Analea McKee

“I was working two jobs and I am going to defer from uni for a semester,” she said.

“I have put all of that on hold and I will maybe get a new job up here once I have settled in and maybe pick up uni next year.

“I was always all-in, there wasn’t really a thought about it.”

After a strong top-age season with the Geelong Falcons last year, McKee decided to knuckle down on her game and go hard to reach the big leagues.

She worked hard on her ground balls and her marking and Lions coach Craig Starcevich noted her contested marking drew Lions recruiters.

McKee has only signed a six-month deal as an injury replacement player and is prepared to put everything into making the grade.

“I think I am very overwhelmed and not sure about what is going to happen,” she said.

“It is daunting to move away from my family and friends but it is very, very exciting at the same time.

“You just have to work as hard as you can and hopefully maintain and get a longer contract.”

McKee said she was saddened to leave the VFLW Cats with just two rounds remaining before finals but her teammates “are very supportive of me”.

Lions sign Analea McKee

A St Albans and Geelong Amateur junior footballer has landed at Brisbane ahead of the upcoming season.

Forward Analea McKee has been plucked out of Geelong’s VFLW program after outstanding form at the level, and will play for the Lions in the upcoming AFLW season.

The 20 year old has spent the past two seasons playing for the Cats, playing predominantly forward with some work in the ruck and the backline as well.

Lions AFLW coach Craig Starcevich said he was excited for McKee to join the group and begin her development in the AFLW system.

“After persevering for a couple of seasons after first being draft eligible, Analea has been playing some consistent football for Geelong in the VFLW and we are really thrilled to have her here at the Lions,” he said.

VFLW: Geelong Cats v Port Melbourne. 43. Analea McKee.

“We believe with her strong contested marking and versatility to play either end, that she has a lot to offer.

“Also being able to continue her develop her game within our program and receive guidance from our current group of forwards and defenders is something exciting for us and for her.

“We are really looking forward to seeing what she can bring as someone who has been playing good football already this year.”

McKee played at St Albans as a junior before moving to Geelong Amateur in 2020, having featured at the senior level regularly since then.

Strong marking ability has made McKee an ideal forward target, but her pressure at the contest has also been a feature averaging 4.5 tackles per game in the VFLW, with a season-high of 12 tackles against Darebin in Round 3.

McKee is averaging 10 disposals a game and has kicked six goals for the season, including a matchwinning three-goal effort against Essendon in Round 9.

After becoming a reliable source to goal for the Geelong Falcons in 2022, McKee was rewarded with Victoria Country honours for the 2022 NAB AFLW Under-18 Championships.

Originally published as AFLW: Analea McKee signs contract with Brisbane Lions