List Manager Peter Schwab and the Brisbane Lions recruiting team couldn’t believe their luck when the Club secured the Geelong Falcons’ Rhys Mathieson (at Pick No. 39) in this year’s National Draft.

Mathieson, at 186cm and 82kg, is a good size for a midfielder who not only hunts the ball, but can fly for a mark, contest in the air and kick goals.

“I spoke to the Lions about three times before the draft. They told me they were pretty keen on getting an inside mid, I always thought I could end up at the Club,” Mathieson told LionsTV.

“Craig (Lambert) gave me a call (after the Draft) and I came up here on the Sunday.”

“It’s my second time in Brisbane. I’m just really looking forward to starting a new life up here.”

Mathieson said he was eager to see the sights of Brisbane with his new teammates.

“Keasy (Ben Keays) and the boys have been taking me around out on the town.”

CEO Greg Swann and his wife Leonie have opened their door to 18-year-old Mathieson and fellow draftee Sam Skinner while they get settled in Brisbane.

“Swanny and Leonie are really good to me.”