Lions ‘on edge’ during marathon tribunal
The Lions were “a bit on edge” ahead of Belle Dawes’ tribunal hearing but will approach next week’s preliminary final with an extra spring in their step after the star midfielder was freed to play.
Brisbane defender Jennifer Dunne said teammates were thrilled to see the tough on-baller escape her one-match ban for a collision with Hawthorn defender Ainslie Kemp in Sunday’s qualifying final.
Dawes was suspended for charging but had her ban overturned in a marathon three-and-a-half-hour tribunal hearing on Wednesday, as the panel found she “sensibly took steps to avoid a head clash” with Kemp.
The Hawks defender was hit on the chin when the pair collided and taken off the field for a concussion test but passed and returned to the field after halftime.
“We’re all delighted. I think everyone was a bit on edge, but Belle herself was pretty cool, calm and collected,” Dunne said after the hearing.
“(There’s) no better person to get off … we’re so pumped to have her, and it gives us something (extra) to look forward to now next weekend.
“(Dawes) obviously adds a whole other element to our group, she’s that energiser bunny for us, so I think we’re all just delighted that she’s able to play.”
Dunne, who was recruited from Dublin ahead of 2023, has emerged as a vital part of the Lions backline and played every game since her debut in round 3 last season.
The 24-year-old key defender said the Lions would appreciate a chance to “reset” after earning the week off with the six-point win over Hawthorn.
Asked if coming back after the longer break would be difficult following an intense 12 games in 11 weeks this season, Dunne said the experience of winning through to a preliminary final last year would hold the side in good stead.
“I don’t really think (it’s a hindrance). Last year we were in a similar boat … the girls are kind of used to it,” she said.
“It just allows us to have maybe an extra day or two off, so I don’t think it will change anything hugely.
“We’ll definitely watch the (Adelaide-Fremantle semi-final) live and just absorb it. I think because we have the weekend off, everyone will just enjoy it in their own time.”
The Lions have not faced Fremantle since August 2022, leaving the Dockers as an entirely unfamiliar opponent to Dunne, but she was well aware of the challenge the Crows would pose should they win Saturday’s clash at Norwood Oval.
“Adelaide, we’ve just had multiple battles with them, they always bring an exciting type of footy and there’s never been more than really a goal between us,” Dunne said.
“We look forward to it regardless (of the opponent) and just focus on ourselves and what we need to do.”
