Brisbane Lions coach Craig Starcevich says his team has plenty of improvement left in them as they prepare to take on the Adelaide Crows in an AFLW preliminary final at Metricon Stadium.
The two sides have a rich history, with the Crows beating the Lions in the 2017 grand final and the Lions prevailing in the 2021 decider.
The Lions were minor premiers but Starcevich said being considered favourites to win the title counts for nothing ahead of Friday night's clash.
"Anyone can win. I can walk you through a whole lot of different scenarios over the years where teams that are expected to do well haven't," he said.
"You just have to be constantly on guard for every possibility. There are no givens. I feel like we are miles and miles away from our best footy.
"It is a never-ending quest to keep finding improvement, but to our team's credit one thing that has made them a joy to coach is when you point out a few things we generally fix it.
"The games between the two clubs are always fierce. We got over the line a month ago (winning by 22 points in round eight) but a fair bit has happened since then. We need to be ready for them."
The Lions will play a Crows team that had what coach Matthew Clarke said was "a terrible week" after the sudden death of 2017 premiership-winning player Heather Anderson at the age of 28.
The team will wear black armbands and pink shoelaces for Friday's game in memory of Anderson.
"We have got a great support network in terms of welfare people, sports psychologists, and external people as well," Clarke said.
"Most importantly it is about being there for each other.
"Ultimately, there is still a game of footy to be played. While it has been a really challenging week there is also joy in being a part of a footy team.
"Sometimes in periods of challenge it is a great place to be, so we will look forward to being out there together as a team and make the most of the opportunity."
The Crows welcome back inspirational captain Chelsea Randall who missed last week's elimination final win over Collingwood due to concussion protocols.
"She is a great player and a great leader," Clarke said. "We have got great leadership across the park.
"Marijana Rajcic will play her 50th game this week which is a pretty amazing accomplishment given it is her second career. She had a really successful soccer career (with Adelaide United)."
