Craig Starcevich had just been on the receiving end of a fourth grand final defeat in six attempts, and what he regarded as “the best footy I have ever seen in AFLW”.
But the Brisbane Lions coach issued a declaration which spoke volumes to the way he and his side have triggered exponential growth of the game in Queensland: they would evolve.
A relentless North Melbourne suffocated the defending champions in a 6.3 (39) 1.3 (9) triumph, as Kangaroos sensation Jasmine Garner produced a Best on Ground performance.
Ellie Hampson kicked the Lions only goal in the AFLW grand final defeat to the Kangaroos.Credit: Getty Images
But what cannot be taken from this Lions group is the massive inroads they have made in Queensland, with the extent of their invasion into a traditional rugby league heartland now revealed.
Since …