BRISBANE star Sabrina Frederick-Traub is savouring the opportunity to play as her team’s main forward target.
She formed a strong partnership with Tayla Harris in the inaugural NAB AFL Women’s season, before Harris left for Carlton in the off-season.
The move has not impacted Frederick-Traub, who is averaging 9.5 disposals and 5.5 marks per game in 2018, highlighted by a best-on-ground performance against Adelaide in round one.
She finished with 14 disposals (11 contested) and 10 marks (seven contested and five inside 50) in the 12-point win over the Crows, in what was a rematch of the 2017 Grand Final, a gut-wrenching loss for the Lions.
"When the siren blew [in the Grand Final], it was probably one of the worst feelings," Frederick-Traub said.
"It was like being punched right in the stomach and you can’t breathe.
"We were ready [in round one this year], hungry to take on our competitors from last year and there was no way we were letting them get away with the win."
The English-born Frederick-Traub grew up in Western Australia, but is enjoying her time in Brisbane.
The 21-year-old is an AFL multicultural ambassador (her father is of Jamaican and Antiguan heritage) and works for AFL Queensland in game development.
"Being a multicultural ambassador is probably one of the key moments in my life," she said.
"Being able to relate to so many people is more than anything I could have ever imagined.
"To work in game development has always been a dream of mine."
'Sabs' (as her teammates affectionately call her) is a much-loved figure on the field as well, and an integral part of the team.
She has not missed a game in the Lions’ short AFLW history and said her passion for the team motivates her to continue improving.
"The first time I put on my Brisbane Lions [jumper] was like nothing else," she said.
"Like when you get a superhero costume as a kid and you never want to take it off.
"I love the game and that’s purely why I do it."
Frederick-Traub said she was more than happy to be a role model for other females.
"Being yourself is so important," she said.
"That’s how I’m going to lead the way – just being myself and being true to what I want to do."
