Brisbane Lions VFL defender, Harry Arnold has been rewarded for a year of consistent performance with selection for the VFL side to take on SANFL this Sunday in the 2025 AAMI State Game. 

The 26-year-old, who returned to the Lions VFL set up this season after 18 months on the AFL list with Sydney, said he was excited for the opportunity to run out for the representative side. 

“It’s pretty special to see my name alongside some of the others in the team. I certainly won’t take the opportunity for granted,” Arnold said. 
 
“I loved my time in Sydney, but I’m so happy to be back in Brisbane. Huddo, Moz, Scotty and the coaching staff have given me so much confidence and reminded me of my strengths as a player. 

“Last year was really difficult with injury, but I’ve been looked after incredibly well and if it wasn’t for the medical team and support staff, I wouldn’t be in the position that I am to make a team like this. 
 
“It’ll be strange wearing the Big V as a kid from Mackay in North QLD, but I can’t wait.” 

VFL Coach, Ben Hudson, was full of praise for his versatile defender, who has been a key part of the Lions VFL set up for several years. 

“It’s great reward for Harry who has been such a consistent performer across a number of seasons,” Hudson said. 

“He is probably one of the best versatile defenders in the competition not on an AFL list and he plays a key role for us week in and week out. 

“It was great to see Tahj Abberley named in the squad and I thought he was stiff to miss out because he is such a reliable player for us every week and has been for so many seasons now.” 

Hudson will be assistant coach for the VFL State Team for the second successive season. 

The men’s clash between the Smithy’s VFL State Team and the SANFL’s West End State Team will take place at Tanunda Recreation Park in the Barossa on Saturday, April 12 from 2:45pm local. 

The game will be broadcast on 7plus Sport nationally and live on AFL.com.au or the AFL Live app.