A 12 months that began shockingly for Brisbane Lions star Kate Lutkins is about for a fairytale ending in Sunday‘s AFLW grand final.
Playing again in 2022, let alone in a competition decider, seemed a near impossible task for Lutkins after she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in January.
The injury occurred early in the first of this year‘s two AFLW seasons.
Returning any time during that season wasn’t an possibility for Lutkins, and enjoying in 2022’s second marketing campaign was an excessive lengthy shot at greatest.
However, the 34-year defender defied the chances to return to the enjoying discipline in early October.
And all the celebs appeared to have aligned for Lutkins, with Brisbane’s grand last towards Melbourne to be her fiftieth AFLW match and performed on the Lions’ new Brighton Homes Arena base at Springfield, a suburb of her house metropolis Ipswich.
“I am really proud to end up in the final dance at the end of the season alongside the girls,” she stated.
“That is pretty incredible. It is cool that it is my 50th.
“I am pretty excited to play here in Ipswich, which is my home town, with my family alongside me watching.”
Lutkins‘ excitement is mixed with feelings of relief and gratitude after some “dark days” during her injury rehabilitation.
“I was very fortunate with my recovery from the surgery that I had a really good crew around me,” she said.
“There are a few girls in the team that have had the same procedure, so I really leant on them, the team and the staff.
“The girls around me have been amazing, letting me play my role each and every week.”
And while such support was crucial in her comeback, Lutkins -– who was best on ground in Brisbane‘s 2021 grand final win – would never have jeopardised the Lions’ premiership hopes if she felt she wasn’t able to play once more.
“I am really competitive and really stubborn and do enjoy a challenge,” Lutkins stated.
“Once the season did get moved forward I wanted to do my best to get back by this season.
“I am seven games in and right from the start I had the confidence in the knee.
“Otherwise I wouldn‘t have been out there and the staff wouldn’t have let me back out there.”
A Lions win on Sunday wouldn’t solely be a becoming means for Lutkins to cap off her return from damage but additionally additional reward for Brisbane mentor Craig Starcevich, who was this week named the AFL Coaches Association AFLW senior coach of the 12 months for a second time.
“He’s a pretty genuine human, Craig,” Lutkins stated.
“He’s really approachable, he’s really good for a chat, he’s really passionate and he really genuinely cares about the girls.
“He‘s really passionate about looking after them and making sure they’re happy and that they’re working for a purpose.
“He gives us that purpose, and he’s just incredible. He puts his heart and soul into this team.
“What you see is what you get with Craig.”
