AFLW Finals 2023: Brisbane Lions skipper Breanna Koenen on blockbuster qualifying final against Adelaide

After losing a star trio in the off-season, Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich had to think differently – and as skipper Breanna Koenen proved last week, it’s all come together.

Break glass in case of emergency.

When the Lions needed to send their skipper into defence to help shore things up against the most potent attack in the competition, it was just like riding a bike for Bre Koenen.

For years, one of the heart and soul players of the Brisbane backline, Koenen spent large chunks of the season running through the midfield as coach Craig Starcevich moved the magnets looking for the perfect balance.

But with the Lions’ top four hopes on the line against the reigning premiers, the master coach pulled that trusty lever and back went Bre.

“Obviously I’m a defender at heart – I love playing in defence – so it was good to be back there with my crew,” Koenen said.

Brisbane’s 25-point win over Melbourne was the perfect statement win ahead of a blockbuster qualifying final showdown with minor premier Adelaide.

Brisbane Lions skipper Bre Koenen will play her 75th game on Saturday. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Crows, who secured top spot courtesy of the Lions’ win over Melbourne, are expected to welcome back six starters for Saturday’s clash at Norwood.

The Lions are the only team to defeat the Crows this season – in fact, they are unbeaten against every other team in the top five.

And yet they will head to Adelaide as likely underdogs, but with plenty of confidence.

“We’re expecting a totally different Crows outfit to be honest,” said Koenen, referencing the three-point win last month.

“In South Australia with that vocal home crowd it’s almost like they have an extra player on the field for them.

“I think we play a very similar style of footy. We’re both pressure-based, we both love the contest and for both teams winning it at the source is really important.

“We obviously have a lot of respect for them. Over the years this has become probably one of the biggest rivalries in women’s footy.

“Obviously finals is a different kettle of fish and there’s extra pressure that comes with it. We have a younger group now so it will be a new experience for some of these girls. But we have that belief that we can go toe-to-toe with the best.”

Brisbane has become a perennial premiership contender under Starcevich but he has had to take a different approach to steering the side this year.

After losing a trio of All-Australians in the off-season, it’s taken time to find the right balance.

Part of that has been experimenting with Koenen further up the ground.

“Obviously last year we had a really cemented and steady group. This year we’ve been able to flip people around and be comfortable playing in different positions which will be very important for us come finals, because we need to be able to change things if it’s not working,” Koenen said.

Koenen fires out a handpass during last week’s win over Melbourne. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

For the skipper, who will celebrate her 75th AFLW game on Saturday, this season has been one of considerable growth.

“I’ve had to learn a lot playing in the midfield over the past few weeks – I think it’s helped my game to be honest, just being in the contest the whole time you have to think different about things,” Koenen said.

“It’s definitely been a challenge for me. Coming into my eighth season I thought I had a lot of things down pat and I was comfortable, but playing in midfield has definitely pushed me this season.

“I’m super honoured (to have played 75 games). It’s a pretty special milestone and hopefully I can celebrate it with my family and friends there with me.

“It will be a pretty special weekend but I’ll just be going about my business as normal. We’re there to play footy and get the job done.”