Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy member Ben Sloan has earned the Round 4 NEAFL Rising Star nomination after his solid performance against GWS GIANTS on Saturday.
The 18-year-old was named among the Lions’ best players after 23 disposals, 10 marks and two goals in their 93-point victory at Spotless Stadium.
An Under-18 Allies squad member in 2017, Sloan was among AFL Draft contention at season’s end with his versatility and eye-catching athleticism.
Entering season 2018 as one of the best young talents in the competition, the Mt Gravatt and Redland junior has played every NEAFL game so far as part of the Lions’ Under-19 Academy squad.
Sloan said he is relishing the opportunity to play consistent NEAFL football with Brisbane this year after missing out on AFL Draft selection.
“Obviously you would be pretty shattered when you don’t get drafted. But I didn’t want to dwell on it too much because that’s when dreams get crushed,” he said.
“For me, I just wanted to move past it and tackle this year head on, and see where it can take me.
Sloan celebrates a goal with teammate Tom Bell during Round 3 v Suns (Photo: David Layden).
“I’m really enjoying it at Brisbane. The boys get around me and make me feel a part of the team.”
The NEAFL Rising Star is awarded to the most promising young talent in the NEAFL competition.
Nominees must be under the age of 21 and played less than 20 senior games (excluding games as AFL Academy players) at the start of the 2018 season.