Brisbane Lions AFLW coach Craig Starcevich has signed a three-year contract extension, rebuffing a late approach from the Collingwood Magpies and consideration of expansion club Tasmania.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- List Stability: Starcevich’s retention secures long-term tactical continuity at Brighton Homes Arena.
- Collingwood and St Kilda face pressure in their search for new senior leadership following departures and program reviews.
- Expansion Planning: Tasmania’s pursuit of inaugural leadership for their 2028 entry highlights the intense market competition for elite coaching personnel.
The Late Approach From Collingwood
Collingwood’s pursuit of Starcevich was led by chief executive Craig Kelly, a former premiership-winning teammate of the 59-year-old coach. The Magpies approached Starcevich to gauge his interest in returning to Victoria to rebuild the Magpies’ AFLW program following a difficult season. However, Starcevich stated that the call arrived “quite late” and that he had already committed his immediate future to the Brisbane Lions.
The Magpies are currently navigating a turbulent period after registering just one win in a disastrous campaign. Compounding their off-field pressure, captain Ruby Schleicher departed the club amid internal concerns regarding direction and player development, while senior coach Sam Wright stepped down from his role.
Weighing the Tasmania Expansion Bid
While Collingwood’s late bid failed to gain traction, Starcevich admitted that Tasmania’s nascent program required deeper contemplation. The fledgling club, preparing for its entry into the competition in 2028, explored appointing him as their inaugural senior coach. Starcevich found the Tasmania opportunity intriguing because it mirrored the foundational challenge he undertook when setting up Brisbane’s women’s program 10, 11 years prior.
Ultimately, deep personal ties to Brisbane’s personnel and infrastructure kept him at Brighton Homes Arena. Starcevich explained that his strong affection for the club’s people made a relocation impossible, cementing his status as the AFLW’s longest-serving coach at one club.
Culture and the One-Club Mentality
Reflecting on Brisbane’s benchmark status in the league, Starcevich highlighted the organization’s integrated structure as a decisive factor in his contract extension. Despite an uncharacteristically challenging season that will see the Lions miss the finals for the first time since 2019, the club maintains a powerful alignment between its men’s and women’s programs.
| Metric / Detail | Brisbane Lions (AFLW) | Collingwood / St Kilda |
|---|---|---|
| Coach Status | Craig Starcevich signed 3-year extension | Vacancies following resignations |
| 2026 Season Wins | Injury-impacted campaign | One win each in difficult seasons |
| Franchise Milestone | Seven grand finals under current coach | Undergoing independent reviews |
Starcevich pointed to an extensive injury list—including hamstring issues for Ally Anderson, wrist problems for Jade Ellenger, and Courtney Hodder’s absence due to pregnancy—as the primary driver of Brisbane’s ladder position. Nevertheless, with a fresh three-year commitment secured, the coach remains anchored to the northern state.
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