Kai Lohmann could not be more excited to be a Lion and join his close mate, Harry Sharp.
Speaking to the Roar Deal, the 18-year-old explained that heading north is a full circle experience.
"I was at Sharpy's house when he was drafted. Hearing him called and seeing the likes of Zorko and Rayner message him I just thought "I hope that can be me next year," and to now be heading up myself, I'm over the moon."
Hailing from the rural town of Maryborough, Lohmann and his brother moved to Ballarat to pursue football, where he quickly reconnected with childhood friend, Sharp.
"I've known Sharpy since I was about 4. We had a caravan down in Ocean Grove and so did his family. My brother and I wanted to advance our football, so we moved up to Ballarat and Harry introduced me to the friendship group."
That friendship still stands strong to this day, with the Lions winger one of the first to contact Lohmann on draft night.
"Harry FaceTimed me as soon as I got drafted. He got emotional and it was a pretty special moment to share.
"He was celebrating graduation at the time and was super excited and I didn't expect it, it was a great moment."
Lohmann's journey up to Brisbane will have to wait a little longer however, with borders not set to open to Victoria until December 17th.
"I think we'll be up after Christmas or early next year. It's pretty frustrating because you're wanting to get up and meet everyone and get stuck into it.
"But it's been nice to spend some time with family before the journey begins. I've been trying to do as much as I can training wise to prepare and organise where I'll live when I'm up there."
With mercurial ability, the GWV Rebels product draws comparisons to the likes of Isaac Heeney and Brisbane's very own Lincoln McCarthy.
"I'm a bit of a high-flying half-forward and like to play a bit through the midfield," Lohmann said.
"I'm pretty quick and love a one-on-one situation. I love the marking contest and bringing teammates into the game."
Asked how he goes in comparison to close friend and running machine Harry Sharp, Lohmann backed his ability.
"Over a short distance I think I've got him, he takes a while to get off the mark... I'm not sure he'll like me saying that.
"But everyone knows how strong an endurance runner he is and he's shown that when he played earlier in the year."
Lohmann becomes the fifth Ballarat recruit for the Lions, joining Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod and Thomas Berry and Harry Sharp.