The Brisbane Lions welcomed three new players on Monday via the Father-Son and Academy pre-Draft bidding meeting – Liam Dawson, Harris Andrews, and Josh Clayton.

Although the selection of Dawson, Andrews, and Clayton’s won’t be made ‘official’ until next month’s 2014 NAB AFL Draft on the Gold Coast, the trio will have the benefit of joining their new teammates for pre-season training at the start of November – almost a month earlier than their fellow draftees.

Please find below some further information surrounding the Club’s newest recruits, along with their comments on becoming Lions players.  





JOSH CLAYTON

Nickname: Clayts

DOB: 17/1/96

Height: 190cm

Weight: 80kg

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons U18 (VIC)

Position: Medium Midfielder

AFL summary: Very athletic and versatile player that reads the game very well and makes smart decisions when in possession. His aerial skills coupled with his lateral movement often sees him step through traffic with ease. Currently averaging 21.9 disposals for the Sandringham Dragons at TAC Cup Level. Son of former Fitzroy Lion Scott Clayton.

Josh says: “I’ve gone for the Lions my whole life, so to be selected is a great privilege. It’s great to be at the Club you hold so dear. It’s pretty surreal, but I’m looking forward to it.”

AFL club previously followed and favourite player: Brisbane Lions – Daniel Rich. 

Current AFL player comparison: “Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle). He’s a similar height and weight, is a good mark, and has good speed, endurance, and agility.”




HARRIS ANDREWS

Nickname: Riss

DOB: 11/12/96

Height: 200cm

Weight: 91kg

Recruited from: Aspley (QLD)

Position: Defender / Ruckman

AFL summary: Tall Defender and backup ruckman who has a real presence in the contest and is strong overhead. Agile and good user of the footy can also push forward and provide a target. Played six games for Queensland at TAC Cup level this year, averaging 14 disposals and 6.5 marks.

Harris says: “It’s been great (being part of the Hyundai Lions Academy). I played at game with the Lions Reserves this year and felt right at home. Everything the Lions have done for me this year has been massive and has put me into the position where I am now.”

AFL club previously followed and favourite player: Essendon – Jobe Watson

Current AFL player comparison: “An AFL player that I model my game on is Jake Carlisle. His ability to influence the game at both ends of the ground is a trait that I try to emulate in my game. His marking and disposal efficiency for a tall player is also a skill that I feel that I have obtained while playing footy.”




LIAM DAWSON

Nickname: Dawso, Daws

DOB: 23/1/96

Height: 188cm

Weight: 81kg

Recruited from: Aspley (QLD)

Position: Medium Midfielder / Defender

AFL summary: Strong and versatile Defender/Midfielder that can lock down opponents or play a creative role for his team. Strong overhead and athletic, uses the ball effectively by hand and foot while making smart decisions. Won the Harrison Medal in AFL Under-18s in 2013. Injured in 2014 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. NAB AFL Academy member and a member of the Lions Academy.

Liam says: “I spent a little bit of last summer doing pre-season with the Club. I obviously know some of the boys already, so I’m not going in cold. It’s a great honour and I can’t wait for the pre-season to start.”

AFL club previously followed and favourite player: Collingwood/Brisbane Lions. Collingwood favourite player – Scott Pendulbury. Brisbane Lions favourite player – Joel Patfull. Also love Dyson Heppel (Essendon), Joel Selwood (Geelong) and Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)

Current AFL player comparison: “When I’m playing in the backline, I see myself as a bit of a mix between Josh Gibson/Joel Patfull, because I can provide run and carry like Gibson but also come across and influence the contest in the air like Patfull. In the midfield, a bit like David Mundy, because he’s a taller midfielder that has a bigger body so can just make his mark when he’s in there, but also rest at half back/half forward. Up forward probably Jimmy Bartel/Nat Fyfe because both can push into the midfield, but when they are forward they play taller than what they measure up as. Both have strong hands above the head and can kick goals.”