Despite being a standout at October's AFL Draft Combine, East Fremantle's Elliot Yeo was still on the table when the Lions had their third pick - No.30 overall - and had no hesitation in pouncing.
The 18-year-old was the quickest in the agility run, had the best standing vertical leap, and ran a slick 2.91s in the 20m sprint to showcase his brilliant athleticism.
Coupled with a strong colts season with East Fremantle and some impressive showings for WA in the national championships, the Lions were delighted to snare him.
He will be far from the finished product next season, but the Lions are prepared to bide their time in the hope of unearthing a gem.
Yeo is listed as 189cm and 76kg, and national talent manager Rob Kerr said he was just what they were looking for.
"He's got plenty of development in front of him," Kerr said.
"With a couple of years in the system he could develop into a good wing, half-forward [or] half-back - a bit [Nathan] Fyfe-like we think.
"[Recruiting manager] Graham Hadley identified him early and brought him to our attention. He looks young and is still developing."
If he turns out anything like Fremantle's Fyfe, the Lions will have struck gold, with the classy Fremantle wingman enjoying a breakout 2011 with a mix of ball-winning, running and strength overhead.
Quietly spoken Yeo said the combine was an important place to show AFL scouts he had some ability.
"To be honest I didn't think I'd go that well but I was pretty happy and overwhelmed with what I did," Yeo said.
"I didn't get any feedback until the last day when Brisbane pulled me up and asked me how I went and I said 'no, I don't have a clue' and they slammed down this bit of paper to show me.
"I like to think I've got clean hands but my athleticism and my jump is part of my game that is pretty handy."
Yeo made the move east at the weekend and joined the Lions for his first full session on Monday.
He is living with fellow West Australian Daniel Rich and said he was excited to be at the Lions.
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mike_whiting
