Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch spoke with Lions TV following Tuesday night’s National Draft in Adelaide.
On the National Draft:
“We ticked all the boxes we wanted – we got a really good forward with our first pick. We got our two Academy boys in Eric Hipwood another All Australian key forward and Ben Keays another Queenslander.
“We kept our pick 39 which was another really good result for us. We were a bit unsure with the bidding system what pick we’d have left, but with that we were able to pick up another All Australian with Rhys Mathieson from Geelong.
“Our last pick we were able to get Sam Skinner, a really good key. We’d think he’ll probably play more defense but he’s played ruck and key forward as well.”
On Schache:
“Josh’s father played here in the Bears days many years ago.
“We think he’s going to be a tremendous key forward in the long term future of our Football Club and one that’s going to bring the fans back to the Gabba.”
On Hipwood:
“With Eric and Josh we’ve got two young bright future key forwards for us. They’re both 200cm and we’ve got a lot of 200cm boys on our list now.
“There are a lot of reasons to get back to The Gabba. It’s going to be a very exciting season watching these two keys run around and jump around in our forward line.
“We’re hopeful that Eric whilst he’s got a slight body and a bit to do in the gym we think long he’s going to be a good player for us.”
On Keays:
“Benny Keays is not just a Queenslander but a great in and under mid. We think he’s going to add terrifically to that part of our ground.
“Peter Schwab and his team have done a really good job shoring up our midfield through the trade period but now with Ben we’ve done that through the Draft as well.”
The Lions will look to fill the final spot on their list in tomorrow’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
