Kate Deegan is flying high in Brisbane Lions’ AFLW grand final quest
THIS time last year Kate Deegan had never kicked a Sherrin but she is now on the verge of playing in a grand final with the Brisbane Lions.
THIS time last year Kate Deegan had never kicked a Sherrin.
On Saturday she will run out with her Lions teammates knowing they can book a grand final berth with victory over the Western Bulldogs at Brendale.
Deegan was recruited by the Lions as a project player having just switched over from football last year.
She was given an opportunity in Round 4 and impressed in the win over GWS, Brisbane’s most commanding performance.
The 21-year-old comes back into the side today as a replacement for Shannon Campbell (concussion) and knows she has been given another chance to cement her position before a possible grand final with a solid performance in defence.
“It is definitely a great opportunity, I can’t wait,’’ Deegan said.
“I stepped on the field with the girls for the GWS game and it was a great experience. I absolutely can’t wait to get out there again.
“It is a big game and to go six from six would be a great achievement.
“It (grand final position) will be at the back of my mind, but the main focus is to play the best I can and help everyone out on the field.’’
Check the AFL media guide and next to her name on the section that shows where players were recruited from is marked N/A.
She actually played a handful of games at Coorparoo at the end of last season after being invited for a kick by a friend.
She had been playing as a defender for Annerley in the Brisbane Women’s Premier League football and Lions scouts believed her repeat efforts and defensive mindset would transfer to AFL.
“I played soccer for nearly 20 years, so I had a fair adjustment to make,’’ she said.
Meanwhile, the Lions’ mens team will complete their pre-season preparations today when a near full strength side takes on Adelaide in the final JLT Series game.
Daniel McStay has been named to play his first match of the year.
Defender Ryan Harwood has also been named after the 25-year-old missed the second half of last season with a knee injury.
Originally published as Kate Deegan is flying high in Brisbane Lions’ AFLW grand final quest
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