Brisbane’s Sabrina Frederick-Traub using Grand Final pain as motivation but isn’t dwelling on heartbreak
Brisbane Lions star Sabrina Frederick-Traub is using the heartbreak of back-to-back AFLW Grand Final losses as motivation but she’s not letting it consume her — a key lesson learnt following the shattering loss in 2017.
AFLW
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFLW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
When the Brisbane Lions lost the inaugural AFLW Grand Final in 2017, Sabrina Frederick-Traub let the emotion of that heartbreak get to her.
It was a missed opportunity for the star forward and her teammates.
But last year, when the pain repeated itself in the team’s premiership loss to the Western Bulldogs, Frederick-Traub was determined not to dwell on the back-to-back defeats.
The disappointment and heartache was still there, but she knew she had to take the emotion out of it.
AFLW ROUND 1: LIONS NAME EX-BLUES SKIPPER FOR CLUB DEBUT
2019 SEASON: SEE THE FULL AFLW FIXTURE
ANALYSIS: DOES AFLW HAVE ENOUGH TALENT FOR EXPANSION?
“On that day it was hard to get your head around,” Frederick-Traub said of the 2018 Grand Final loss.
“But the next day you wake up, the sun is shining and you have to get back to the mindset to be competing for the following year.
“I probably did let (the 2017 loss) consume me a little bit but it’s part of learning. It was the first time it had happened and I have learnt a lot from that experience.
“There’s some people that would use those losses to fuel them. It’s fine to do that but you can’t let yourself get too consumed in it all or be losing sleep over it.
“It’s good to have it in the back of your mind and to motivate you but there’s a fine line.
“We’re in our third season now and we’re getting comfortable around what’s expected of us. We’re using it for motivation. Since we lost the last Grand Final, that hunger to get back on the field has been brewing.”
DARCY VESCIO: AFLW PLAYERS ‘ARE EDUCATING YOUR KIDS’
EXPANSION: WHEN AFLW WILL BE AN 18-TEAM COMPETITION
GAME GROWTH: AFLW SPURS BOOM IN GIRLS’, WOMEN’S TEAMS
Frederick-Traub has been one of the standout players of the AFLW over the last two seasons and will be a key figure in Brisbane’s 2019 campaign as they chase that greatly-desired premiership.
She said coach Craig Starcevich starts every year with a discussion about their goals for the short season.
And every year it is the same — to bring that trophy back to Brisbane.
“We’re all competing for that premiership,” she said.
But a lot has changed at the Lions since the end of season 2018.
The likes of Kaitlyn Ashmore, Jamie Stanton, Tahlia Randall and Brittany Gibson have all departed for the newly-formed North Melbourne club while Nicole Hildebrand went to Collingwood.
Rising star Sophie Conway is also sidelined with an ACL injury.
But there are a number of new faces in the squad, including former Carlton captain Lauren Arnell and draftees Paige Parker, Lauren Bella, McKenzie Dowrick, Jesse Wardlaw, Nat Grider, Tori Groves-Little, Jade Ellenger and Jacqui Yorsten.
With all this change, Frederick-Traub has set her own goals for 2019 with one of the biggest to lead by example.
Just like she learned her lessons from the 2017 Grand Final, the 22-year-old has looked back over the past two seasons and decided to not be so hard on herself but to also be a leader for others.
“I’m focusing more on enjoying the game again,” she said of the 2019 season.
“No one can really prepare you for the elite level. The first year and second year, you’re trying to figure out what it means to you.
“I lost a bit of my way in enjoying the game and enjoying being out there. This time around I have really enjoyed the preparation and pre-season.
“I also want to have more of a physical presence on field … and to be a leader for the forwards especially. We have so many younger girls coming through, someone has to show them the way.”
The Lions will open their season on Sunday when they host the GWS Giants at Moreton Bay Sports Complex.
THE THREE LIONS STARS TO WATCH IN 2019
SABRINA FREDERICK-TRAUB
The UK born 22-year-old is a force to be reckoned with. She dominated the field last season, with her height and strength used as a strong attacking advantage. Her ability to kick a long and accurate kick is second to none, while her versatility and determination on and off the fieldmake her a high-quality player.
LEAH KASLAR
Captain Kaslar is once again marked for an outstanding season. This fierce competitor was an integral part of the Lions’ success last season, with her inspirational defence taking her teamto the finals. The 33-year-old has the experience and prowess needed to get Brisbane to the finish line in 2019.
KATE LUTKINS
The recipient of the Lions MVP following last season’s grand final game is as courageous as they come. As a pillar for the Lions’ defence last season, Lutkins is most impressive in one-on-one contests. The 30-year-old is sharing vice-captaincy with Sam Virgo and Emma Zielke for the 2019 season.
THREE GAMES YOU CAN’T MISS
Round 3: Brisbane v Collingwood , Sunday February 17, Hickey Park
This will be the first time the Lions have actually played in the Brisbane City Council region after three seasons of AFLW. The match will be held at Stafford’s Hickey Park and the atmosphere will be electric.
Round 4: Brisbane v Western Bulldogs, Saturday February 23, VU Whitten Oval
This is the 2018 Grand Final rematch. The Bulldogs broke the Lions’ hearts in a thrilling decider last season and Brisbane will be hungry for revenge.
Round 6 : Brisbane Lions v Carlton: Sunday March 10, Ikon Park
It will be late in the season so not only will plenty be on the line, but previous Carlton captain Lauren Arnell will take on her old team for the first time since joining Brisbane. The Lions will also meet former teammate Tayla Harris — the last time Brisbane played against Harris, she was suspended for punching Leah Kaslar.
Compiled by Elise Williams
Originally published as Brisbane’s Sabrina Frederick-Traub using Grand Final pain as motivation but isn’t dwelling on heartbreak
Athletes or the boardroom? Which women really wield power in sport
Women hold some of the most powerful positions in Australian sport - and boast some of the country’s most recognisable athletes. But who really holds the power?
AFLW’s next gen set to arrive in 2025, headed by WA starlet
One of the most naturally talented female players Western Australia has produced is set to be in contention for the coveted No.1 AFLW draft pick this year. ELIZA REILLY examines the players in the mix.