Irish recruit Muireann Atkinson will return to Collingwood’s AFLW side as they travel to Queensland for their Week Three clash with Brisbane on Friday night.

The defender was placed in the AFL’s concussion protocols following her debut in Week One against the Sydney Swans.

Having progressed well through the protocols, the 27-year-old only missed last week’s game against Hawthorn.

Atkinson will be joined by Jordan Ivey in Friday’s side, with the 31-year-old making her way into the team for the first time in 2024.

Ivey is an experienced campaigner in the AFLW, having been a part of the league since its inception in 2017. She has played 39 games across her time at Carlton, Geelong, and Melbourne.

The included pair replace Selena Karlson and Sarah Sansonetti who have both been omitted for the Brighton Homes Arena clash.

The Pies will be in search of their maiden win of 2024 when they take on the Lions.

The game will mark the Pies’ fourth consecutive trip to Queensland to take on the two-time premiers, while it is the second year in a row they’ll take to the Lions’ home base of Brighton Homes Arena.

The side has good memories at the ground having produced a memorable five-point win in Round Six last year.

Midfielder Mikala Cann was the star that day, kicking the winning goal in the dying minutes of her 50^th game.

The 23-year-old will be an important player on Friday, alongside midfield-ruck duo Brittany Bonnici and Sabrina Frederick who have started 2024 in blistering form.

Bonnici is averaging 26 touches and seven tackles so far in 2024, while Frederick is averaging 20 disposals and 19 hit outs in her two matches.

The clash with the Lions is the beginning of a stretch of four games in 14 days for the Pies, as they aim to begin their climb of the ladder.

The first bounce is scheduled for 5:05pm AEST, with the game broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo.

AFLW Week Three
Friday 13 September
Brisbane v Collingwood
Brighton Homes Arena, Yagara/Yugara
5:05pm (AEST)

Club Debut: Jordan Ivey