The inaugural Carlton captain comes to Lions after the Lions traded Nicole Hildebrand to Collingwood for pick 40 at the forthcoming AFLW Draft before exchanging pick 40 to Carlton for Arnell.

Hildebrand will return to her home state for the 2019 season.

Arnell was at the forefront of the inaugural women’s league and helped Carlton place their bid for a women’s team licence.

The 31-year-old has won eight VFLW premierships at Darebin Falcons and has been named as an All Australian three times.

She was the priority pick for Carlton and played in all seven games for 2017 and this year played four AFLW matches.

“Lauren will provide great mentoring for our young group and new players coming on to the list,” Brisbane Lions Women’s CEO Breanna Brock said.

“She’s an outstanding person and has done so much for the women’s game.

"We look forward to working with such an experienced campaigner and can’t wait to see her pull on the Brisbane Lions colours,” she said.