Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich says no need for panic over low AFLW Round 1 scores

LIONS coach Craig Starcevich says the game’s governing body may have been too reactionary in its bid to restrict player numbers around stoppages in AFLW.

LIONS coach Craig Starcevich says the game’s governing body may have been too reactionary in its bid to restrict player numbers around stoppages in AFLW.

Brisbane kicked off its 2018 season on a high note on Saturday with a come-from-behind victory over the Crows in Adelaide.

But their return to the field has been overshadowed by criticism of the game styles in the AFLW, which reached a new high after it was revealed the AFL had sent a directive to all clubs outlining a number of requirements to reduce player congestion.

While Starcevich said he understood clubs had a responsibility to ensure the brand was “watchable”, he questioned whether the move had come too early one match into the season.

“You can very much see the point of the league,” he said.

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“However, if there’s one round of the year where things are going to be a little bit rusty, it’s Round 1. Perhaps we’re reacting a little bit earlier than we should.

“We should let things settle for a round or two before we categorise all games as being similar.

“I know with our club, we’ve recruited a certain style of player to play a certain style of game and to make it watchable. That’s been first and foremost on our minds.

“But it doesn’t mean you don’t defend.

“The feedback I get is that our supporters, they’re really entertained.

“Patience is probably the word we need to use here.”

Lions AFLW coach Craig Starcevich. Picture: Annette Dew

Starcevich said while his club would take on board the advice from the AFL, he reminded fans that poor games happen across all codes.

“It’s not really out of kilter with what goes on in the AFL, NRL or any sporting competition,” he said.

One of his players, forward Jessica Wuetschner, took a much harder stance on Twitter, calling the memo “ridiculous”.

“This is my view only, but are they bloody serious?,” the 25-year-old wrote.

“We are out here to win, whatever it takes. If you ask me I saw some pretty exciting stuff on the weekend and I think this is ridiculous.

“How many rule changes do you want? Is it even AFL any more?”