His name is Isaac Conway, or Izzy to his mates, and already those foundations are steadfast after some invaluable experience in the Academy over the last five seasons.
He says he’s thrived in an environment where meeting and training with the Lions players and getting good feedback has helped him learn new skills, develop his game and emulate that on match day.
“Just being able to know what it’s like being around AFL boys and what they do and how they play their footy,” he says is the most exciting part of the opportunity.
“Being able to play with the likes of Claye Beams, my favourite Lions player, has been really exciting learning how they go preparing for games and recovering and getting used to AFL footy.”
It was this experience, as well as three games with the Lions Reserves and debuting with Aspley in the NEAFL that stood him in good stead for this year’s national carnival where at the age of just 17, he vice-captained the Queensland Under 18s.
“I loved it,” he said of the carnival.
“Being up against players at your ability if not higher and challenging yourself against them, especially as a 17 year old, you learn a lot from those games and it’s going to really help me for next year to lead the boys to try and win the championships.”
And lead he does. He captained the Queensland Under 16 team in 2011 as well, and credits not only the Academy for teaching him skills in leadership, but a good chat with his Dad for making him realise he wanted to be recognised as a leader among his peers.
Vowing to work even harder next year, it seems the State leadership is in safe hands and that his ultimate dream of getting drafted would be the final brick in the wall of a solid foundation.
Check out special video interview above with Isaac at the recent Lions Academy vs Suns Academy match.
