Exciting defender Reuben William will make his debut for the Brisbane Lions on Saturday in QClash 12.
Drafted to the Lions at pick No. 20 in last year’s Rookie Draft, the attacking half-back is a product of the Club’s successful Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy.
In a silver-lining for the 18-year-old, he will debut in the AFL’s Multicultural Round.
#InsideTheDen: Drafted as a rookie and now he's here! Good on ya Reuben! #YourClubRepresenthttps://t.co/LlszbmPmJu
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) July 7, 2016
When William was an infant, his father Deng was among two million people to die during Sudan's Civil War, which ravaged their homeland from 1983-2005. The family migrated to Australia in 2002, settling in Brisbane.
William will become the third player of Sudanese heritage to make his AFL debut behind Aliir Aliir and Majak Daw.
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Brisbane’s attack will also be boosted by the return of Vice-Captain Dayne Zorko. The 27-year-old missed the Lions’ Round 14 match in June for personal reasons.
Running defender Tom Cutler will require a further week on the sideline as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Forward Josh Walker and utility Ben Keays will make way for William and Zorko.
Bouncedown is at 4.35pm at Metricon Stadium.
View full team lists of both sides here
Team
| B | #25 Daniel McStay | #21 Daniel Merrett | #27 Darcy Gardiner |
| HB | #10 Daniel Rich | #31 Harris Andrews | #32 Sam Mayes |
| C | #38 Thomas Rockliff | #36 Rhys Mathieson | #8 Rohan Bewick |
| HF | #11 Pearce Hanley | #28 Lewis Taylor | #16 Jarrad Jansen |
| F | #15 Dayne Zorko | #23 Josh Schache | #4 Ryan Bastinac |
| FOL | #12 Stefan Martin | #35 Ryan Lester | #5 Mitch Robinson |
| INT | #6 Josh Green | #30 Eric Hipwood | #40 Matthew Hammelmann |
| #47 Reuben William | |||
| E | #1 Ben Keays | #14 Josh Walker | #17 Claye Beams |
In: Dayne Zorko, Reuben William
Out: Ben Keays (Omitted), Josh Walker (Omitted)
Milestones: Reuben William (1st AFL Game)
New: Reuben William (Zillmere Eagles)
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