Traded Kiara Hillier (2022-2023)

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Kiara Hillier Bound for Brisbane

The sun was shining down on the Sunshine Coast’s Kiara Hillier in Wednesday’s NAB AFLW Draft, with the 17-year-old headed to the Brisbane Lions at Pick 78.

The Lions Academy product joins a long list of Lions’ talent hailing from the Sunshine Coast, including QAFLW teammates Lily Postlethwaite and Bella Smith.

A reliable rebounding defender, Hillier was often charged with the responsibility of kickouts for Queensland in the recent 2022 NAB AFLW Under 18 Championships.

The 2022 QAFLW season has given Hillier the chance to show another side to her game, often spending time in the forward half for the Maroochydore Roos.

“Kiara is a rebounding medium sized defender with great athleticism who likes to carry the ball out of the back half,” Head Coach Craig Starcevich said.

“She can play on a variety of opposition forwards, is good in the 1 on 1 contest, and is always looking to add metres to her disposals by carrying the footy out of defence.

“She has also shown the ability at club level to go forward and become a dangerous offensive threat.

“We think her style and willingness to take on the game suits our group very well.”

 

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Pauga And Hillier To Depart The Den

The Brisbane Lions have strengthened their position heading into the 2023 AFL Draft by completing two trades on Monday.

Kiara Hillier will join the Sydney Swans in exchange for pick 73, Premiership Lion Mikayla Pauga and pick 73 has been traded to the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS for pick 24.

Pauga, who played in the Lions 2023 Premiership winning side against North Melbourne, departs the Den after three seasons and 15 games.

Hillier was drafted in 2022 and was member of the Brisbane Lions Academy but was unable to break into the Lions strong defensive unit.

Lions Head of Women’s Football, Breeanna Brock said she was pleased to see the duo get opportunities at other clubs to continue pursuing their footballing journey.

“We would like to thank Mikki and Kiara for their contributions to the Club,” Brock said.

“Mikki will always have a special place at the Lions as a Premiership player and we wish her all the best at the GIANTS.

“Kiara gave her all, but with our defence performing exceptionally well this year and with Kate Lutkins returning from pregnancy and Jade Pregelj from injury, opportunities to play are hard to get, especially for a young developing talent.

“We’ve been working with managers and clubs to make sure our players continue to play AFLW and it’s great they’ve been to find new clubs.”