2016 Draft prospect Jack Rolls says the success of Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy graduates and former teammates Ben Keays, Reuben William and Eric Hipwood, who have all played senior football in their first year at the Lions, is inspiring.
“Seeing those blokes come through gives me motivation to aspire to what they’ve done, which is to get drafted and play AFL football.
“It’s good to speak to them about how they’re going at the top level.”
Rolls joined the Academy as a 14-year-old in 2014.
He earned the Round 11 NEAFL Rising Star nomination after a strong showing against Southport in June. It was the second Rising Star nod for the Lions Academy member, who earned his first nomination as a 16-year-old on debut in 2015.
He spent the off-season training with Brisbane’s senior squad before travelling to the United States with the AFL Academy, and says he relishes any opportunity to play senior football.
“Luke saw me as a 14-year-old and whacked me in the Academy,” Rolls said.
"I’ve had a lot of help through the years from Scott Borlace, Luke Curran and Josh Hunt.
"I’ve been able to play in the Ressies the past two years, being part of the Academy. It’s great to test yourself at the highest level (at the NEAFL), and then take what you’ve learnt (back to the Academy) when you play in the under 18s."
Rolls identified the Brisbane Lions’ Pearce Hanley, with his ability to break lines with scorching pace and pinpoint kicking, as someone he enjoys watching.
"I’m a Brisbane supporter so I like watching blokes like Pearce Hanley. I like how he breaks lines. I try to take attributes out of his game and put them in mine.”
Rolls has been invited to the State Combine in Melbourne in October.
“I’m sure Aaron Hull, the Strength and Conditioning Coach, will get me going for that and hopefully I’ll test well.”
Rolls, a Brisbane Lions member since he was six, said he would be grateful for the opportunity to stay in Brisbane.
“I’ve been a member since 2004, so obviously if I can stay in Brisbane it’d be unreal.”
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