The Brisbane Lions AFLW team have confirmed their coaching panel ahead of the 2025 NAB AFLW Season.
With the start of the season less than a month away, Phil Lovett and Paul Henriksen will swap roles, with Lovett to look after the defensive group while Henriksen will be in charge of attack.
Ryan Davis will continue as the Lions midfield coach after joining the program at the beginning of the 2024 season with AFLW senior coach, Craig Starcevich to undertake his 10th season at the helm.
Lovett, who has been part of the Lions AFLW set up since 2021 says he is looking forward to the new opportunity.
“It’s a great change up for both coaches and players, it brings a fresh set of eyes for both the forward and defensive groups,” Lovett said.
“It will be a fantastic development opportunity for players, having a new coach come in.
“I look forward to seeing what Paul will be able to do with players like with Tay (Smith) and Ruby (Svarc) and I’m also excited for the opportunity to share new ideas with great players like Nat (Grider) and Bre (Koenen).”
Coming on board as Backline Coach ahead of Season Seven, Henriksen has been involved in nearly every aspect of the Club’s football program from Academy to AFL and is excited for his next challenge.
“Getting to work with the likes of Koenen, Grider, Campbell in the back half since Craig (Starcevich) got me on board in Season 7 has been fantastic,” Henriksen said.
“Taking on the Forward group in 2025 is an exciting, new challenge and they are a group that Phil has done really good job with over the last 5 years and we are looking to build upon that great foundation.
“Arriving to the Club as a development coach in 2017 with Chris Fagan, I’ve been able work with players like Brandon Starcevich, Noah Answerth and Jack Payne through their early years and then transitioned into the AFLW defensive group, so coaching the forward group is something I’m looking forward too.”
The Lions will kick off their 2025 NAB AFLW Season against Hawthorn at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday August 17.
