It’s been another successful year for the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy with three Academy players drafted to various AFL club’s at the 2016 NAB AFL National Draft.

The Brisbane Lions recruited Aspley junior, Jacob Allison with pick 55 which will see him stay in his home state and play alongside fellow Lions Academy products Ben Keays, Liam Dawson, Eric Hipwood, Jonathan Freeman, Matt Hammelmann and Archie Smith.

Allison had trained with the Lions as part of the AFL Academy’s summer program and has had a first-hand look inside the club, working part-time in the Lions Shop.

Fellow Aspley junior, Declan Watson was drafted by North Melbourne at pick 34 while Elliott Himmelberg (Mt Gravatt/Redland) was drafted by Adelaide at pick 51.

Himmelberg had moved to Queensland from New South Wales two years ago so was ineligible for the bidding system.

Quiz: How well do you know our 2016 draftees?

Lions Academy Manager Luke Curran said it was pleasing to see the hard work come to fruition after a challenging year for the boys. 

“The boys were involved with five different teams in the space of three months and as a result, their form was up and down,” said Curran. 

“Once they came back from the U18 Allies team the boy’s were honest in their assessment of their form up to that point of the season, and then worked hard to improve their performances in games with our NEAFL team.

"They finished the season well and have now been rewarded for their efforts,” said Curran.

The Academy has now produced 15 draftees over the past four years – with five going to other AFL club’s.