In a major boost before the Brisbane Lions first AFL Finals Series campaign in a decade, Eric Hipwood, one of the competition’s most dynamic young forwards, has extended with the Club until at least the end of 2023.
 
Hipwood, already contracted for the 2020 season, put pen to paper for a further three years.
 
The 21-year-old is enjoying one of his best seasons to date, having booted 32 goals in 2019, including four in one quarter against Melbourne in Round 15.
 
The Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy graduate said the decision to extend was easy and he cannot wait to experience his first Finals campaign.
 
“To have that little taste now is exciting and something I want to be a part of,” he said.
 
Now in his fourth season at the Lions, Hipwood said the 2019 team is a special group.
 
“Coming into the Club each day, it’s exciting to watch everyone push each other and strive for constant improvement,” he said.
 
“I think one thing is the brotherhood we have within the group.

“We’re all so close and we play for each other.
 
“We realised we had to have that closeness as group to be successful.”
 
General Manager of Football David Noble said Hipwood has shown great improvement over the past two years.
 
“Eric has worked hard behind the scenes on his forward craft, which is evident in his development as a key forward,” he said.
 
“He has been crucial to our growth in the forward line over the past three seasons and is a strong team contributor, with a team player attitude to match.
 
“We are thrilled to have him in the Den for at least another four years.”
 
Hipwood will pull on the Lions guernsey this Saturday night at The Gabba against Richmond, in the Club’s first Finals appearance since 2009.