Northern Territory speedster Zac Bailey will make his AFL debut for the Brisbane Lions at the home of football, the MCG, against the defending premiers this weekend.
The 18-year-old was named in Senior Coach Chris Fagan’s 22-man side to take on Richmond in Round 4 on Saturday afternoon.
Fagan described Bailey as a resilient young man who moved from Darwin as a teenager to boarding school in Adelaide to chase his AFL dream.
“Zac is a resilient young man who has earned his spot in the team this weekend after four really strong performances in the NEAFL,” Fagan said.
The Lions selected Bailey with their 15th pick at the 2017 AFL Draft.
Last weekend in front of his home crowd in Darwin, Bailey kicked two goals, had 21 disposals and laid seven tackles in the Lions NEAFL side’s Round 1 loss to the NT Thunder.
Previously he had played in three NEAFL practice matches and was a part of the AFLX premiership side in Sydney.
Bailey is ecstatic to be making his senior debut against the Tigers and will wear the number 33 guernsey made famous by fellow Territorian Darryl White.
“Big thanks to the Club for the opportunity to play this weekend,” he said.
“All the coaching staff have been so good helping me with my transition to Brisbane.”
Dayne Beams returns to the team after he was a late withdrawal against Port Adelaide last weekend. The skipper will celebrate 150 AFL games.
Utility Ryan Lester and defender Cedric Cox have been omitted from the team this week.
Bounce is at 2.10pm AEST on Saturday.
IN: Zac Bailey, Dayne Beams
OUT: Ryan Lester (omitted), Cedric Cox (omitted)
