The Brisbane Lions have added more exciting talent to its list selecting hybrid midfielder Sam Marshall with Pick 25 at Wednesday night’s 2024 Telstra AFL Draft.
Brisbane secured Marshall with Pick 25 after matching a bid from Sydney.
Marshall, known for his versatility and two-way running, is another Brisbane Lions Academy graduate whose AFL dream has come true.
The young midfielder has displayed an extreme level of consistency and admirable work ethic during his junior and pathway football.
Marshall was pivotal for the Sandringham Dragons in their Coates Talent League premiership win back in September.
The Queensland local racked up 28 touches, seven inside 50s and two goals to claim the best on ground medal.
Lions National Recruiting Manager Stephen Conole said the club was delighted to land Marshall ahead of the 2025 season.
“Sam has shown great resilience as he has played through various teams and competitions over the last couple of seasons through the pathway system, where his strong character and work ethic has shone through,” Conole said.
“He completed his season as part of the Premiership-winning Sandringham Dragons team, after being an All-Australian member of the Allies team earlier in the year.
“Sam has the skill set to eventually develop into a genuine hybrid mid, with his strong inside and outside game complimented by his powerful two-way running and his ability to push forward and impact the game.
“We are super excited to see Sam join our list via the Brisbane Lions Academy, and I am sure he will flourish as he as a Lions player.”
Marshall, a Queensland local from Warana on the Sunshine Coast, is the latest Lions Academy draftee hoping his story can help motivate other Queenslanders.
The young Lion now returns to his home state after experiencing life at boarding school in Melbourne and playing along fellow draftee Levi Ashcroft.
“Being drafted into the AFL has been a long-time goal since being in the juniors and it’s fantastic it’s finally happened and to get a chance to realise those goals,” Marshall said.
“I’ve been a Brisbane Lions Academy member since under-12s, and it has always been the club I wanted to start my career with.
“To be back in Queensland close to home after a three-year stint boarding in Melbourne is great.
“I am looking forward to working with all the coaches, staff and players at the Brisbane Lions and spending this preseason with new goals and aspirations.”
