Craig Starcevich’s remarkable record-breaking tenure at the Lions is set to be extended, with the dual premiership coach rebuffing significant interest from the Devils to remain at Brisbane.

Foxfooty.com.au can reveal Starcevich and the Lions have agreed to terms on a new deal.

Watch every match of AFLW LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Starcevich, the Lions’ inaugural and only AFLW coach, is expected to sign a two-year contract in the coming days, keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2028

The deal will extend his record as the AFLW’s longest-serving coach at one club to 13 seasons.

THE RUN HOME: Every AFLW finals scenario explained & final ladder predicted with two rounds left

Freo keep AFLW finals hopes alive | 02:17

Starcevich had been heavily linked to Tasmania in recent months, with the Devils keen to appoint their first AFLW coach by the end of the year ahead of their 2028 entry into the competition. He told The W Show in August he’d “probably take a call” from the Devils and would consider the role.

But the 59-year-old will instead remain at the helm of the club he has led since the AFLW competition began.

Craig Starcevich, Senior Coach of the Lions speaks to his players during the round six AFLW match between Brisbane Lions and Adelaide Crows at Brighton Homes Arena, on September 20, 2026, in Ipswich, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

A Collingwood premiership player, Starcevich has led the Lions to seven of the nine grand finals ever played in AFLW history, with the club claiming the 2021 and 2023 premierships.

Brisbane is set to miss the finals for just the third time in AFLW history, sitting 14th on the ladder with a 3-7 record and just two home and away rounds remaining. The Lions upset Port Adelaide on Saturday and face St Kilda and Carlton over the next fortnight.

Starcevich’s side is also set to be boosted over the off-season by a strong group of Brisbane academy players, with industry sources tipping several early bids.

The local draft crop is headlined by classy midfielder Molly Ferguson, athletic utility Aiyana Pritchard and key forward Harlee McIlwaine.



–