Brisbane AFLW coach Craig Starcevich will become the competition's longest-serving coach after penning a one-year extension to lead the Lions until the end of 2026.
Starcevich began his coaching journey in the inaugural AFLW season in 2017, taking the club he played 20 games for in the 1990s to a minor premiership, but ultimately fell short of the premiership.
During his tenure, the 1990 Collingwood premiership defender has taken the Lions to six grand finals, claiming two flags in 2021 and 2023.
But Starcevich's new deal will see him surpass Adelaide AFLW coach Matthew Clarke, who informed the club that the 2025 campaign will be his last.
"I feel very privileged to have coached our team for the last nine seasons and appreciate the opportunity from the Club to lead this great group until the end of the 2026 season," Starcevich said.
"AFLW has come a long way over that time, and to see the growth of the game, particularly in QLD, has been exciting. There are many opportunities ahead of us, and I'm grateful to be able to be part of that.
"I feel our footy club in general, is in a very strong position.
"Our playing group has changed over the years with expansion, but we now have a stable, hard-working group with an amazing culture led by our experienced leaders. I'm just as excited to see what we can achieve this season as when I first started."
Brisbane Head of Women's Football Breeanna Brock acknowledged Starcevich's impact on the league, saying he is a "pioneer" of the AFLW.
"Craig has been a pioneer of women's football long before the AFLW competition, particularly here in Queensland," Brock said.
"He's played a pivotal role in the continued development of our talent here in Queensland, and he is a big reason why our group continues to have success each year at AFLW level.
"He's builds great relationships with staff and players alike.
"I know our playing group loves playing for him each week and will be very excited to continue to run out for Craig."
Starcevich has coached the Lions on 92 occasions since 2017, winning a staggering 65 times.
The 2025 AFLW Season, which is the 10th in its existence, will kick off on Thursday 14th of August with a clash between arch rivals Collingwood and Carlton.
The remainder of the fixture is yet to be released.
