Emma Zielke joined the GIANTS ahead of the 2026 AFLW season as an Assistant Coach and Head of the club's AFLW Development Program.

One of the most respected figures in women's football, Zielke captained the Brisbane Lions to the 2021 AFLW Premiership after serving as the club's inaugural AFLW captain from 2017. A pioneer of the women's game in Queensland, her contribution to football was recognised with the QAFL Women's best and fairest award renamed the Emma Zielke Medal.

Following an illustrious playing career, Zielke transitioned into coaching and spent five seasons across a range of roles within Brisbane's AFL and AFLW programs, most recently serving as Head Coach of the Lions Female Academy and the Queensland Under-18 Female State Team.

As an Assistant Coach with the GIANTS, Zielke oversees the club's forward line while also leading the AFLW Development Program.