THE REASON for Kate Lutkins' inactive status for the 2023 season has been revealed.
The Brisbane premiership defender, who won the best-afield medal in the 2021 decider, is pregnant.
A month ago, the Lions had announced the 34-year-old, three-time All-Australian was sitting out of the upcoming season, and further details would be confirmed at a later date.
Lutkins and wife Kate Clarkson announced the happy news on Instagram earlier this week, with the former due in October.
"Look….. Kate loves to do the cooking for us (thank goodness) but recently I’ve taken up baking… We are grateful to announce baby Clarkson due Oct 23," Lutkins wrote.
Brisbane replaced Lutkins' spot on the list by taking a selection in the AFLW Season Eight Supplementary Draft, bringing in Poppy Boltz.
But her direct like-for-like replacement in the backline is former Sun Jade Pregelj, who was signed as a delisted free agent.
DRAFT ANALYSIS What each selection means for your club
Lutkins is one of five inaugural Lions still on Brisbane's list, along with Ally Anderson, Shannon Campbell, Breanna Koenen and Sharni Webb. The latter has also missed a season to have daughter Billie.
In other Brisbane news, recruit Ellie Hampson has undergone a clean-out of her knee, but is on track to participate in pre-season training.
