Just dropping these here for us to refer to later in the year.
Academy rivalry aside, it certainly does seem that way. The Lions have a number of great prospects coming through - three Academy members alone with Maggie Harmer leading the way and Mikayla Pauga and Bella Smith there too - so Brisbane should be pretty excited about the draft this year.
From the girls academies, the Lions have a fairly even group. Harmer really impressed me in the All-Stars game last year as I said off half-back, really strong hands, looks like she can slot in anywhere. Pauga is that mid-fwd type who is quite exciting. Showed some great signs last year and has moved to Bond University this year which I presume is doing Uni studies (haven't been able to interview them because of COVID). She played at Maroochydore with both Harmer and Bella Smith (tall key option).
Lucia Liessi is one who is highly rated as a key position player, really strong/stocky body which I hope doesn't play against her because we know sometimes it can, but she's got talent and can play up either end. Christine Okesene is rated highly as an over-ager, had some injuries and is one we have interviewed a couple of years back at the 2019 champs, whilst Phoebe Baird and Abbey Hewett are the other top-agers I'd like to see more of. From a 2004-perspective, Kadie Fletcher made her debut for Aspley on the weekend and impressed named amongst the best, while Charlotte Mullins and Ella Smith are also at Aspley (will be checking that game out), and Brooke Sheridan is usually amongst the best for the Gorillas too.