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Red-hot Lion Anderson to lead AFLW charge against Pies

3 minute read

Brisbane Lions star Ally Anderson broke the AFLW disposals record last week and shapes as a key figure in the round-three clash with Collingwood.

Brisbane Lions coach Craig Starcevich won't put any expectations on star midfielder Ally Anderson to set more AFLW records in the huge clash with Collingwood.

But by the same token, Starcevich wouldn't be at all surprised if his outstanding ball-winner does find another level in Friday night's contest at Brighton Homes Arena.

"Ally continues to get better physically, technically and tactically," Starcevich said.

"She's adding layers to her game that haven't been there in the past and there's no ceiling to what she can achieve.

"She's right in the prime of her footy life right now and last week was pretty phenomenal."

Anderson set a competition record for most disposals in a match (43) in the Lions' hard-fought win over Melbourne in round two.

It helped set Brisbane's (1-1) premiership defence back on track ahead of an important home date with the winless Magpies (0-2).

"They'll be desperate to get a result, that's for sure," Starcevich said about Collingwood.

"They're a dangerous team around the middle of the ground and if they can hold the ball forward for long enough they'll make life hard for you, which we found out last year.

"It's going to be an almighty challenge."

Brisbane have left out experienced utility Kate Lutkins for round three, handing academy product Sophie Peters her debut.

Elsewhere, Sydney meet Richmond in Coffs Harbour on Saturday, before Carlton do battle with Geelong at Ikon Park and Port Adelaide host Fremantle at Alberton Oval.

Perennial flag contenders Adelaide face an early-season test against an improving Hawthorn at Unley Oval on Sunday.

Both sides have perfect 2-0 records, as do St Kilda, who will seek to stamp their finals credentials with a win over Essendon at Windy Hill.

GWS host Gold Coast in Canberra, and Melbourne are gearing up for a litmus test against early-season flag fancies North Melbourne.

The contest at Casey Fields pits the Demons against premiership star Libby Birch, the defensive stalwart who departed over the off-season to join her third club at the Kangaroos.

"I'm sure there'll be a bit of fun and a few words shared between former teammates," Melbourne coach Mick Stinear said.

"But Libby now forms part of one of the strongest defences in the competition and our team is ready for it."

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