Emma Zielke fit and firing ahead of new AFLW season despite losing Brisbane Lions captaincy

Losing the Lions captaincy could prove to be a blessing in disguise for AFLW sensation Emma Zielke, who is stronger and fitter heading into season 2019.

Emma Zielke gets a kick away under pressure.

Losing the Lions captaincy could prove to be a blessing in disguise for AFLW sensation Emma Zielke, who is stronger and fitter heading into season 2019.

After leading Brisbane for the last two years, Zielke handed over the captaincy reins to teammate Leah Kaslar last December, following a close vote among the playing group.

The annual vote is something the Lions do for both their men’s and women’s teams and it came as no surprise to Zielke that there was a changing of the guard given Kaslar had been hot on her heels for the leadership over the past two seasons.

And Zielke is not dwelling on the loss of the captaincy, with the 30-year-old in great shape ahead of the new season.

As the Lions prepare to play their only practice match of the pre-season against GWS at Yeronga, Zielke said she is raring to go.

“It’s less pressure on myself (without the captaincy),” she said.

Brisbane's former captain Emma Zielke with new skipper Leah Kaslar and vice-captain Sam Virgo.

“I’ve been able to work on everything, on my weaknesses … it’s been a real focus for my pre-season.

“My body is a bit stronger than last year. I didn’t get too much of a chance to get into the gym last pre-season with my rib injury so that’s been something I’ve been working on.

“I’m feeling good with my body. I’m tracking along well and my GPS numbers are up.

“It does release a bit of pressure but I’m still there as the vice-captain. I’m still the same voice, competing as well as I have been.”

In her time as skipper, Zielke enjoyed a lot of success, leading the Lions to both AFLW grand finals.

However, they are still yet to claim the premiership and that is going to be a major focus for the side in 2019.

Brisbane captain Emma Zielke and coach Craig Starcevich after the 2018 AFLW Grand Final.

Saturday’s match is just the first step towards that goal, with coach Craig Starcevich to trial five different line-ups throughout the game.

But no matter which line-up he settles on for Round 1, Zielke knows every member of the squad is ready to finally taste grand final glory.

“It’s hard to say whether it affects people personally or not but I did feel a real difference in the first session we did this season,” Zielke said of the Lions’ return to training after losing last year’s Grand Final to the Western Bulldogs.

“Everyone was so switched on and determined from the first session. You could notice a lift of standard.

“We haven’t had a session yet where we’ve come off the track feeling it was a wasted session. We also haven’t had too many sprays from Craig so that’s a good sign.”

BRISBANE LIONS v GWS GIANTS

Saturday, January 19 at 3pm (EST)

Leyshon Park, Yeronga

Free entry. Live streamed on the Brisbane Lions Facebook page.

Originally published as Emma Zielke fit and firing ahead of new AFLW season despite losing Brisbane Lions captaincy