The Brisbane Lions will celebrate their history at the MCG tomorrow in special jumpers celebrating Fitzroy’s past triumphs – while the Club’s future will also be on show with a record four young Queenslanders from the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy running out together.
Debutant Matt Hammelmann will join Harris Andrews, Ben Keays and Eric Hipwood to form the “maroon grown” brigade in a young Lions line-up to take on Richmond at the home of footy.
It’s an important milestone for the Club which has been very public in its stating its desire to increase the amount of Queenslanders on its list – that number currently standing at 13.
“To have four boys from the Academy playing this weekend is a big achievement and a great result of all their hard work,” said Hyundai Help For Kids Brisbane Lions Academy Manager Luke Curran.
“When you see the big reaction of the fans and the public to these young guys debuting for the Club, it’s really pleasing – you can see the whole Queensland footy community getting behind them.
“It’s good for them and good for the footy club to get that grassroot support from the people who have followed their journey or had some kind of involvement with them from a from a young age.
“It’s been a big 12 months for the Academy with six players being drafted and now to have so many boys playing regular seniors footy, it’s great reward for them and for everyone at a Club and community level.”
Hammelmann makes his debut as a reward for sustained strong form in the Reserves in the NEAFL, highlighted by a 26-disposal, 16-mark effort in defence in last week’s upset win over Redlands.
Hipwood made his debut last week playing forward against West Coast and had an impact, setting up an early goal by marking on a wing and quickly wheeling around to hit Josh Walker on the chest with a 60-metre kick, before collecting a goal of his own later in the game and being mobbed by teammates.
Midfielder Keays has already played 8 senior games in his first season, collecting 93 disposals, laying 33 tackles and kicking three goals playing a role across the forward line.
Andrews has played 27 games as he moves through his second year with the Lions, having won a NAB rising Star nomination last season and quickly developing a reputation as a fine reader of the game with a cool head, and a future leader.
Latest Video: Hammelmann to debut
