Sabrina Frederick-Traub says Brisbane’s team-first approach behind Lions’ perfect start to season
SABRINA Frederick-Traub says Brisbane’s team-first approach has catapulted the Lions into premiership contention. And also explains why other teams have flopped.
SABRINA Frederick-Traub says Brisbane’s team-first approach has catapulted the Lions into premiership contention.
The Brisbane marquee player also believes an over-reliance on stars may have impacted other clubs, who have had a propensity to lean on a minority for the majority of their disposals.
No Lions player has racked up more than 13 touches this AFLW season, yet they remain undefeated.
The even spread fits in nicely with the image of Craig Starcevich’s team — one which was barely given a hope of winning a match before they upset Melbourne in Round 1.
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“I think as much as it looks good getting 20 or so possessions, it’s also not a great thing because it means you’re playing too many roles, other than your own,” Frederick-Traub told foxfooty.com.au.
“So that can be not so great for a team outcome. I think sharing the load is something we’re big on at the Lions.
“If you share the load then everyone knows their part and you’re not running around like a headless chicken.”
While the lesser-likes have manufactured a winning formula at Brisbane, preseason favourites such as the Western Bulldogs have shrunk in the spotlight.
An ankle injury to marquee Katie Brennan hasn’t helped the Dogs’ cause. But it’s an over-reliance on two players that should have coach Paul Groves concerned.
Star midfield duo Emma Kearney and Ellie Blackburn have carried a huge load, with other midfielders such as Jaimee Lambert either injured or out of form.
In Round 3 against the Demons, Kearney and Blackburn had a staggering 30 per cent of the Bulldogs’ possession.
At Carlton, the absence of Brianna Davey — the club’s top possession winner — has been profound.
The Blues lost to Melbourne without their marquee last week, while they succumbed to Adelaide when she was unable to take to the field in the final quarter.
Frederick-Traub — who has taken the second-most contested marks in the AFLW behind fellow marquee Tayla Harris — suggested Brisbane’s diligence to stick to structures had paid off in spades.
“We don’t just rely on key players,” she said.
“We rely on the whole team to get us across the line. I think that’s maybe why we’re in the position we’re in. We’re a team and we all pull together.”
On Saturday, Frederick-Traub’s Brisbane takes on Adelaide in a top of the table clash.
With both teams playing with an emphasis on fast ball movement, as well as contested footy, she said she expected an even clash.
“If you look at the two teams, we’re very diverse and have a lot of depth across the field,” Frederick-Traub said.
Originally published as Sabrina Frederick-Traub says Brisbane’s team-first approach behind Lions’ perfect start to season
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