Hugh McCluggage had a breakout year with the Brisbane Lions in 2019, showcasing his elite footballing ability on several occasions throughout the season. Not only was it a career-best season for McCluggage from a team perspective, his individual achievements and accolades stacked up over the course of the year.
The 21-year-old set several personal bests throughout the Lions 2019 season. Including:
- 521 disposals (426 in 2018)
- 23 goals (10 in 2018)
- 21 kicks against Geelong in Round 22
- 8 tackles against GWS in Round 16
- 3 goal assists against Hawthorn in Round 18
- 9 inside 50’s against Sydney in Round 7
The versatile wingman’s standout game came in Round 22 against the Geelong Cats in Brisbane’s gripping 1-point win at The Gabba. In that contest, McCluggage set The Gabba alight with 27 disposals, 7 marks, 6 tackles and a goal.
In just his third year in the AFL, McCluggage finished third in the Brisbane Lions Best and Fairest, taking home the Alastair Lynch Trophy. He finished with 322 votes, behind Lachie Neale (386 votes) and Dayne Zorko (348 votes).
McCluggage was also named in the 2019 All-Australian squad and the AFLPA’s 22under22 team. He also picked up the Lions Player of the Round in Round 5 against Collingwood, having booted two goals for the night.
The promising midfielder celebrated his 50th game this year against Fremantle in Perth, and, at that time, ranked eighth in total possessions out of any Brisbane player in history at 50 games.
McCluggage is signed with the Lions until at least the end of 2021.
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