Two Western Australian Under-18 Championship players, a Hyundai Help for Kids Academy player and a star defender for the Gippsland Power were welcomed into the Lions Den last night.
Night two of the NAB AFL Draft started with the Lions entering a pick swap agreement with Port Adelaide, to secure the first pick of the evening. The Lions received Pick No. 22 and a future fourth round, in exchange for Pick No. 23 and a future second round.
This swap enabled the Lions to secure Deven Robertson from Perth, a talented midfielder who led Western Australia to victory at the 2019 Under-18 Championships. The 18-year-old averaged 30 disposals per game and received the Larke Medal as the best player of the competition.
Brock Smith was the second player drafted to the Club, with Pick No. 33. Smith is a defender who played for Vic Country and Captained the Gippsland Power in 2019.
Keidean Coleman was the third draftee to become a Lion. The Club matched Essendon’s bid for the Hyundai Help for Kids Academy product, taking him with Pick No. 37. Coleman was an integral player in the NEAFL’s undefeated premiership team in 2019 and became the first Academy player to be named in the Team of the Year.
The Lions then traded Pick No. 61 for a future fifth round in 2020 with Fremantle.
Jaxon Prior was the final player drafted, with Pick No. 59. Prior is the son of former Essendon and West Coast defender Michal Prior and plays as a defender. He was a teammate of Robertson in the victorious West Australian Under 18 National Championship team and tested well at the 2019 AFL Combine.
Brisbane Lions National Recruiting Manager said the Club had gained four talented players.
Devon is an honest player, he’s competitive and a really clean ball handler and most importantly he’s a great team player,” Conole said.
“Brock is a hybrid defender, who can play tall and small and also Captained the Gippsland Power.
Keidean is a really good story. He missed out on being drafted last year as an 18-year-old and this year came back as a 19-year-old came back in the pre-season and played the entire year in the NEAFL. He knows our structures well and knows our team well.
“Jaxon is predominantly a half back and has a lovely left foot kick and has the ability to play on different body types.”
NAB AFL Pre-Season and Rookie Drafts
The Lions have re-selected Sam Skinner, Corey Lyons, Archie Smith and Matthew Eagles in the 2019 rookie draft.
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