The Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy had a successful night at this year’s NAB AFL National Draft with four players recruited to the national league.
Young Eric Hipwood (Caloundra/Aspley) and midfielder Ben Keays (Morningside/Redlands) were drafted to the Brisbane Lions with picks 14 and 24, respectively.
Despite his connection to the Club through the Academy program, Eric Hipwood wasn’t confident that he’d secure a spot at the Brisbane Lions.
“I wouldn’t say I was pretty confident,” Hipwood told LionsTV last night.
“When Richmond bid on me, I was pretty nervous and it felt like it took forever.
“And they (Brisbane Lions) finally said they’d match the bid and the moment was just surreal.”
Fellow Queenslander, Ben Keays was also drafted to his preferred side but not before the Western Bulldogs had placed a bid on him.
Another two Lions Academy products, Corey Wagner (Sandgate/Aspley) and Wylie Buzza (Darling Downs/Mt. Gravatt/Redlands) were drafted to North Melbourne and Geelong, respectively.
Lions Academy Manager, Luke Curran, said the draft of local talent by the Brisbane Lions as well as, high interest from interstate clubs is a milestone for the program.
Hipwood and Keays will join young guns and former Lions Academy products, Harris Andrews and Liam Dawson to make the transition to the Brisbane Lions squad.
Curran hopes to see more of the Lions Academy boys picked up in the Rookie Draft on Friday 27 November.
