The Lions have secured an overnight internet sensation, a high flyer with a bag of tricks and a work horse from the WA country in a bumper 2021 NAB AFL Draft haul.
And most importantly pace to burn.
If there’s one thing in common Darcy Wilmot, Kai Lohmann and James Tunstill share it is pace, athleticism and a fierce competitive streak.
Here what experts are saying about Darcy Wilmot.
Lohmann, the club’s 2nd pick at No.20 and Tunstill who was taken at selection 41 have been described as draft bolters but the Lions recruiting team had tracked their progress from a long way off and knew they had the traits Senior Coach Chris Fagan wants in his side.
Wilmot has already got a huge following given his hilarious celebrations and interview after hearing his name called with the Lions’ first pick at number 16.
The youngest player in the draft, from the Northern Knights, was also considered one of the toughest and although he has shone as an attacking rebound defender, National Recruiting Manager Stephen Conole is convinced he has the versatility to become a midfielder.
Lohmann is a close friend of first year Lion Harry Sharp and the latest player to join the Club from the Western Rebels, the breeding ground that delivered Hugh McCluggage and the Berry brothers to the den.
He already owns one of the best highlight reels of the draft class and is deadly in front of goal, whether it is taking a set shot after a high-flying mark or snapping a superb crumbing goal.
With X-Factor written all over him, hear what experts are saying about Kai Lohmann
Tunstill proved his determination by doing a 550km round trip each week from Busselton to play for WAFL club East Perth’s Colts and the WA State Side.
In his first year in elite programs he stood out with his weekly improvement and finished the year as one of WA’s most consistent players.
Hear what experts are saying about James Tunstill.
Another midfielder with an electric burst of pace, the Lions believe he will also become a goal kicking threat at AFL level.
Lions GM of Football Danny Daly said he was rapt with the draft haul and excited to bring the three boys to Brisbane and welcome them to the Club.
We’re really happy with the players we have walked away with,’’ he said.
“We wanted to go into the draft getting the best talent but also some outside run and some blokes that compliment our inside mids and we’ve been able to do that with our first couple of picks.
“And then to get James on the second night, he’s a player who can go through the midfield but also go forward and kick goals.
“So, we are really happy and Stephen Conole and his team in Melbourne have done a great job.’’
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