Keidean Coleman is one player Brisbane Lions fans are excited about heading into 2023, and rightly so.

The attacking defender produced the best season of his 41-match career this year, seeing him become one of the AFL’s most exciting young talents.

This was officially recognized with his selection in the AFL Players Association’s 22Under22 team.

Coleman, a 22-year-old product of the Brisbane Lions Academy, has the composure of a seasoned veteran, tackles ferociously and glides across the field so smoothly.

Though his biggest asset is his damaging left foot, which can hit teammates with pin-point accuracy, clear the Lions defensive 50 or kick goals from long range.

The Western Australian born defender showed these star qualities in varies matches throughout 2022, though there it was his Round 20 match against Richmond where he really stood out.

Coleman received one Brownlow vote after he was in record-breaking territory which a staggering 742 metres gained and a season-high 30 disposals at 70 per cent efficiency.

Add to those nine intercepts, seven score involvements, six inside 50s and five marks – all from a match in which the Lions didn’t even win.

The half-back also dominated in front of a home crowd against the Western Bulldogs in Round 16, registering 24 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency and again driving the Lions forward with 551 metres gained.

Highlighting his value in attack, Coleman also had nine score involvements and five inside 50s.

At the time it was statistically his best game of the year, though that only lasted until his next outing against GWS where Coleman again gave Lions fans plenty to cheer about.

Coleman made his first match on Canberra’s Manuka Oval one to remember after racking up 25 disposals, seven marks and booting a goal to top off a brilliant individual performance.

The challenge now for the talented defender is to continue to develop and take his game to a new level in 2023 as the Brisbane Lions themselves look to go deep into September.