DYNAMIC winger Orla O'Dwyer is confident she'll be available for the opening round of the AFLW season as she continues successful rehabilitation from off-season shoulder surgery.
O'Dwyer had the procedure shortly after Brisbane's preliminary final loss against Melbourne in April and is now out of a sling and back running and lifting weights.
She was on-hand at the Lions' first pre-season session earlier in the week and said progress had been steady.
"We've worked out a plan and what it looks like. There'll be ups and downs, but that's just part of recovery," O'Dwyer said.
"Hopefully I'll be back for practice games and round one."
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O'Dwyer has now played three seasons for the Lions and made huge strides earlier this year, being the first Irishwoman named as an All-Australian.
She was courted by opposition clubs during the off-season but turned her back on their offers, saying her upbringing in Gaelic football and camogie had a lot to do with her loyalty.
"I'm used to playing with just one county," the Tipperary product said.
"Once you play with your county, you can't move.
"I'm used to that one club mentality.
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"The Lions have been so welcoming and so supportive since I've come here.
"With the expansion, a lot of girls, including myself, had opportunities to leave but I think we know we have a great group here.
"We're really excited to see how we go and it's great to see so many girls stay and hopefully get to another Grand Final and win another premiership because having that taste of glory in 2021 was great, so we want to be back there again."
