Young giant Jono Freeman has declared his intent to become a permanent force in the Brisbane Lions' forward line.

The Sunshine Coast and Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy product stamped his authority on the opening half of Friday's intraclub game at Burpengary, taking a bag of contested marks and kicking two goals.

Freeman has struggled with injury early across the last two seasons before finishing both 2015 and 2014 with games and goals - seven majors last year and six in 2014 including a four-goal haul against Collingwood at the MCG in his second AFL appearance.

Photos: Intraclub Match

Competition is now heating up across the Lions' forward line with the arrival of No.2 draft pick Josh Schache and former Geelong Cat Josh, but 21-year-old Freeman is revelling in the challenge.

“Everyone is trying to assert their dominance, prove themselves and show the coaching staff why they should be in the senior team,” Freeman told The Courier-Mail.

“There is that void in the side that needs to be filled and the competition is healthy.

“I feel ready to take that next step and play week-in, week-out and play a role for the team.”

Freeman was the first Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy graduate to make it on to Brisbane’s senior list.

He has since been joined by Harris Andrews, Liam Dawson, Ben Keays and Eric Hipwood while Archie Smith, Reuben William and Matthew Hammelmann are on the club’s rookie list.

He said the increasing Queensland connection at the Gabba would reap long-term dividends and make the ‘‘go-home factor’’ less of a threat.

“Unless the Sunny Coast gets a team in the AFL, me and Hipwood aren’t going anywhere,’’ Freeman said jokingly.