Crisp’s opportunity comes after ruckman Matthew Leuenberger was officially placed on the long-term injury list on Wednesday with an Achilles injury.
The 190cm utility enjoyed an outstanding final season at U18 level in 2011, taking home the Murray Bushrangers’ Best & Fairest award and earning selection in the TAC Cup Team of the Year.
After being surprisingly overlooked in the AFL National Draft last November, Crisp was eventually drafted to the Lions with Pick No.40 overall at December’s AFL Rookie Draft.
The former ‘Bushie’ has since impressed the Lions coaching staff during the pre-season training, which earned him regular spot in the Club’s NAB Cup sides.
Crisp’s hard work seems to have paid off considering he will now be available for senior selection - at least for a period until Leuenberger returns.
Lions General Manager of Football Operations Dean Warren confirmed Crisp’s elevation on Thursday, saying that the teenager provided the team with a point of difference.
“We obviously placed Leuey on the long-term injury list yesterday after hearing that his Achilles injury would keep him out for around 8-10 weeks,” Warren said.
“Then after some discussion, this morning we advised the AFL of our intentions to elevate Jack.”
“He’s coming off a terrific pre-season, and is the type of player we’ve really been looking for.”
“He’s 6’3, is very athletic, has great repeat speed and endurance, and he can also win a lot of his own footy.”
