Player Reviews: Eagles, Hinge, Barrett, Smith and Frost

# 41 Matt Eagles

Picked up as a Category B Rookie following his success as winner of The Recruit, Matt Eagles is described as an aggressive player who can find the ball at ground level.

This season saw Eagles morph into a dependable fullback for the NEAFL side, averaging 12 disposals, five marks and two tackles throughout his 16 matches.

During the preliminary final, Eagles was honoured as NEAFL captain and led the side to win their Grand Final ticket. The following week’s game was the 27-year-old’s first glimpse at Grand Final action, having never previously played in a top-of-the-table clash.

What a game it was for Matt Eagles, who led the field in marks on the day. Eagles 11th and last grab saw him end up with the ball in his hands as the final siren rang, securing the NEAFL premiership flag for 2017.

Senior matches: 0, NEAFL matches: 16

Matt Eagles (far right) celebrates the 2017 NEAFL Grand Final victory with fellow teammates.

#42 Mitchell Hinge

Drafted to the Lions in 2016, Mitchell Hinge was a great addition to the NEAFL side this season, playing 20 games for the side.

The competitive 19-year-old has been described to excel when it comes to taking intercept marks and he proved just that, averaging almost five marks per game. The defender also averaged 15 disposals and two tackles per game.

Hinge showcase some of his best form during the Round 15 match against Aspley, contributing to a 121-point win and coming away as one of the NEAFL side’s best on ground.

The Club is eager to see how Hinge will continue to grow in 2018 with this years’ experience under his belt.

Senior matches: 0, NEAFL matches: 20

#43 Jake Barrett

Jake Barrett was given an AFL lifeline at the end of last season, drafted by the Lions as a free agent after being delisted by the GWS Giants.

Barrett impressed the coaching squad with commitment and great work-rate during this year’s pre-season. His efforts were rewarded by Round 1, elevated to the Senior list for his debut match as a Lion.

The young gun was nominated for Goal of the Year following a sublime left-foot checkside against Fremantle. However, it was the final QClash match which saw Barrett’s finest form. The 21-year-old collected 7 marks and kicked a career-high three goals.

Senior matches: 17, NEAFL matches: 2

Jake Barrett celebrates after kicking a goal during Round 12 against Fremantle.

#44 Archie Smith

The 201cm ruckman has left an impression right from the start, topping the NEAFL MVP leaderboard after Round 1 of the competition. Archie Smith went on to share his time between both the Senior and NEAFL side.

By Round 10 Smith was named on the Senior side, where he spent the following five rounds. However, it was the big man’s efforts in the NEAFL team which stood out the most. Alongside fellow ruckman Oscar McInerney, Smith dominated the NEAFL ruck this season, averaging a whopping 26 hit-outs per match.

In 2016, Archie signed a two-year contract extension which will secure the big-man’s services until at least the end of 2018.

Senior matches: 6, NEAFL matches: 14

#45 Jack Frost

Jack Frost’s season was unfortunately cut short by injuries suffered during Round 7 and Round 18 of the NEAFL competition.

Frost started the year in the Senior side, playing two matches before being moved to the NEAFL side to work on form. However, an unfortunate head knock during the Round 7 match saw Frost sidelined for multiple weeks with concussion.

The defender returned to the NEAFL side by Round 12, playing a part in the following six matches before fatefully suffering another severe concussion. Following doctor’s orders, Frost was sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Frost remains contracted until the end of 2018 and the Club looks forward to seeing his return to the game in the new year.

Senior matches: 2, NEAFL matches: 11