They may want to fly under the radar ahead of the inaugural AFL Women's season but that may no longer be an option for the tough-talking Brisbane Lions.
Brisbane captain Emma Zielke said the unheralded Lions had revelled in their low profile ahead of Sunday's season opener against Melbourne away at Casey Fields.
"That is the best thing about it, they don't know much about us," Zielke said.
"People do underestimate us and they don't know much about us and that is what we like."
But it seems the Lions have lost their element of surprise after Zielke talked up Brisbane's season chances.
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"It is difficult (to predict) but at the end of the day our goal is to finish in the top two," she said.
"We are going to be really competitive.
"We've got a really exciting brand of footy."
Zielke - one of Queensland's most decorated women footballers in a 10-year career - said the team had clicked under coach, 1990 Collingwood premiership player Craig Starcevich.
After a low-profile pre-season Zielke now tipped the Lions to turn heads in 2017 with marquee players Tayla Harris and Sabrina Frederick-Traub.
"We've got some pace. And it's always physical when you come up against a Queensland team - we love the crash and bash," she said.
"We've got elite foot skills, really good tall timber in our forward line.
"I think overall we've got every line covered."
Zielke said they had no injury dramas ahead of their season opener.
"I couldn't be more excited. It's an incredible feeling to be able to get out there on Sunday and wear the Brisbane Lions logo on our chest," she said.
Brisbane's first home game will be against Collingwood on February 18 at South Pine Sports Complex.
