Craig Starcevich

Brisbane announce contract extension for senior coach

“I feel our footy club in general, is in a very strong position at the moment.”

Published by
Mitch Keating

Brisbane have announced the extension of AFLW coach Craig Starcevich, who is now tied with the Lions until the end of the 2025 season.

The premiership coach has been with the Lions since 2017, with the new two-year deal to take him into a 10th season with the Queensland club.

Starcevich has coached a record 75 games in the AFLW, with the club's qualifying final this Friday set to see the former Collingwood and Brisbane Bears player lead the Lions into his Saturday finals campaign.

“I feel very privileged to have coached our team for the last eight seasons and to appreciate the opportunity from the club for another two seasons,” Starcevich said in a club statement.

“AFLW has come a long way in the last seven years and to see the growth of the game has been exciting. There are many opportunities ahead of us and I'm grateful to be able to be part of that in whatever way.

FREMANTLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Craig Starcevich, Head Coach of the Lions coach addresses the team at three quarter time break during the 2020 AFLW Round 05 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions at Fremantle Oval on March 08, 2020 in Fremantle, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“I feel our footy club in general, is in a very strong position at the moment.

“Our playing group has changed over the years, but we've been lucky to coach an amazing group this season and we're excited to see how far we can take it in this finals series.”

Starcevich has amassed a win-loss-draw record of 51-23-1 since taking on the Lions' senior coaching role.

His 76th game in charge will come on Saturday evening at Norwood Oval against minor premiers Adelaide, with a win booking Brisbane a home preliminary final and a top four finish for the fifth time under Starcevich.

A loss would mean the Lions take the longer route to the grand final and would host a semi-final against either Sydney or Gold Coast.

Published by
Mitch Keating