Starcevich simmers at premiership Lions’ perception

[Pelican Press 0]

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Starcevich simmers at premiership Lions’ perception

Angered by what he views as a lack of respect, Craig Starcevich says his Brisbane Lions squad will have no issues for motivation ahead of their AFLW premiership defence.

The Lions will begin their season with a grand final rematch against North Melbourne at their Brighton Homes Arena home ground on Sunday.

The two-time champions have defied the constant departure of top-end talent due to league expansion, missing just two of the seven grand finals played since the competition’s 2017 arrival.

At this year’s captain’s call, players were asked to name a team other than their own they thought would contest the grand final.

Only one said it wouldn’t be one of the Kangaroos or the Lions, but inaugural Lions coach Starcevich insists there ******** an underestimation of his squad.

“They’ve canvassed people across the league and none have us winning again,” he said on Thursday.

“It’s the same old, same old.

“The method and heart and spirit of team, that’s the bit that gets underestimated.

“I see the grit and resilience and attention to detail, and yet we are still striving for respect from the wider competition

“It’s great incentive for us to not be touted as that, and in some degree it makes me a little bit ******.

“We’ve worked so hard for a bit of respect and it’s going to take forever to get it, by the looks of it.

“You’re trying to find a *****, so that’s fine by us.”

With no new teams entering this year’s league it has given Starcevich some rare continuity, even with seven new faces courtesy of the club’s academy or trades.

Small forward Courtney Hodder will become the 15th Lions player to amass at least 50 games for the club in their season opener.

“It’s helpful … but (I’ve been thinking) whether change is good and invigorating,” Starcevich said.

“Stability and playing together, what price do you put on that?

“No one stands still in the sport … no matter how you finish the year before, you’re always looking for something better.”

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