Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Craig Starcevich signs three-year Lions deal after Collingwood approach
Craig Starcevich has signed a three-year extension with Brisbane to remain coach of the Lions’ AFLW team.
Collingwood contacted him about taking over its struggling program, but the approach came after he had committed to Brisbane.
Tasmania, which is preparing to enter the AFLW in 2028, also considered him for its first senior coaching role, and he gave that option serious thought.
Starcevich said Brisbane’s club culture and people kept him there.
Under his leadership, the Lions have won two premierships and reached seven grand finals, despite struggling this season.
His decision leaves Collingwood still needing a senior coach after Sam Wright stepped down, while St Kilda and Essendon are also seeking coaches.
Craig Starcevich has signed a three-year contract extension with the Brisbane Lions after turning down interest from Collingwood.
The 59-year-old told Lions players and CEO Sam Graham about the deal on Wednesday morning.
Starcevich said Collingwood contacted him late, after he had already committed to re-signing with Brisbane.
He also considered an approach from Tasmania, which is seeking its inaugural AFLW coach for 2028.
Starcevich cited the Lions’ culture, staff and academy players as reasons to stay.
- Who
- Craig Starcevich, the Brisbane Lions’ AFLW coach.
- What
- He signed a three-year contract extension after interest from Collingwood and Tasmania.
- When
- He told players about the deal on Wednesday morning; the article was published on October 28, 2026.
- Where
- Brisbane Lions, based at Brighton Homes Arena.
- Why
- Starcevich said he valued the Lions’ culture, staff and academy players.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sam Wright announced he would step down as Collingwood’s senior AFLW coach.
Starcevich told Lions players and CEO Sam Graham about his three-year contract extension.
The SMH article reporting Starcevich’s decision was published.
- Contract
- Three-year extension with the Brisbane Lions
- Age
- 59
- Tasmania role
- Inaugural AFLW coach sought for 2028
- Lions record
- Two premierships and seven grand finals under Starcevich
- Collingwood approach
- Came “quite late,” after Starcevich had committed to re-signing
What people are saying
I’ll be very biased here and just say that the Brisbane Lions is the most powerful club in the AFL at the moment.
That’s something I couldn’t really give too much consideration to at all
From that aspect, it was definitely something to have a close look at. But, at the end of the day, I love our club and our people too much, so it was going to be really difficult for me to move away from Brisbane.