Lions, Frederick-Traub defy odds in AFLW

Mar 11, 2017 - 4:31 PM It sounds like something out of a pub quiz.

Who is the English-born, Perth-raised player who helped Brisbane make the inaugural AFLW grand final?

If you are unsure don't worry - it seems Lions marquee player Sabrina Frederick-Traub will soon be a name on everyone's lips.

Frederick-Traub, just 20, typified Brisbane's never-say-die attitude of 2017 by defying a crippling quad injury to help Brisbane pip Western Bulldogs by seven points at South Pine Sports Complex on Saturday.

She refused to leave the field, digging deep to inspire an undefeated Brisbane's sixth straight win and ensure they will play in the maiden AFLW season decider on March 25.

"It was a struggle for her but she has an enormous heart," Lions coach Craig Starcevich said.

"There was no way she was going to concede anything."

Starcevich admitted he may consider resting the 182cm Frederick-Traub from their final regular season clash with Carlton next week with a grand final in their grasp.

"There might be some discussion around the ones feeling the pinch," he said.

But good luck trying to sideline Frederick-Traub based on her inspirational haul of five marks and 10 touches under duress.

"I pretty much refused to come off," she laughed.

"You have to push through to get through to the end of the game."

Frederick-Traub's rise as a Brisbane AFLW heroine takes some beating.

Born in Brighton, England, she didn't arrive in Australia until the age of seven.

And she didn't play her first AFL game since 12 when she trialled for the school football team in new hometown Perth.

Yet Brisbane's rise as a powerhouse after being dismissed as early season wooden spoon favourites was what pleased Frederick-Traub most.

"Doubt is a really powerful thing. It can push a team to really stand up," she said.

"I think that's what it did for us. We just wanted to prove people wrong.

"We all believed each other, that's what mattered to us."

Brisbane became the first team to book a grand final berth with one round still left.

Frederick-Traub sounded like the only one not surprised.

"A lot of people may have doubted us but we never thought we wouldn't be in the grand final," she said.

"You are playing to compete, not make up the numbers.

"We felt we could make it if we really tried."

Source: AAP