The Brisbane Lions Academy has produced its third NEAFL Rising Star nominee in the first seven rounds of the season with teenage forward Eric Hipwood the latest to make his mark on the competition.
The 17-year-old Caloundra junior booted three goals in an important role up forward on Saturday when the Lions – who fielded 12 Academy players - went down to defending premier Aspley by 34 points at Graham Rd.
Hipwood joins fellow Academy members Jack Rolls (Round 2) and Ben Keays (Round 4) as NEAFL Rising Star nominees this year.
The 200cm key forward made his senior debut last season with the Lions in one of two NEAFL appearances, while also booting 10 goals in three matches for Queensland at the National Under-16 Championships.
He was rewarded with selection in the AFL National Academy Level Two Squad and has played four NEAFL games for Brisbane and two TAC Cup matches for the Queensland Under-18s so far this season.
Hipwood was talent identified by Brisbane a few years ago and Lions Academy Manager, Luke Curran, said the nomination will give the draft prospect a timely confidence boost.
“He was lean and lanky at a young age and now that his body is starting to fill out and mature, he has been able to play some good footy in the last 12-18 months,” he said.
“Last year he was more of a tall, skinny kid and now that he has spent time within the program and in the gym, he has started to develop a good physical size to play more of a key forward role.
“His form over the last two weeks has been really good and this will give him a fair bit of confidence going forward.”
Hipwood will line up for Queensland this weekend when they take on the Oakleigh Chargers in Round 9 of the TAC Cup at Tidbold Park.
