The Brisbane Lions are set to unveil their ninth debutant of 2014 on Sunday, when Jonathan Freeman takes to the Gabba for his AFL debut against the Adelaide Crows.
Freeman's debut will mark a momentous occassion for the Club, with the 19 year-old set to become the first ever player recruited from the Hyundai Lions Academy to play a senior AFL game.
His debut would also mean that each of the Lions seven 2013 draftees will have made their debut in their first year at the Club.
James Aish (Round 1), Lewy Taylor (Round 1), Tom Cutler (Round 4), Nick Robertson (Round 4), Darcy Gardiner (Round 5) and Daniel McStay (Round 15) have already had their chance so far this season, whilst second year player Michael Close (Round 1) and Rookie Zac O’Brien (Round 11), also made their first appearances for the Club.
As a member of the Club's Academy program, the Lions had priority access to Freeman, however rival clubs were able to bid for his services.
Ironically, the 198cm forward will now make his debut against the Club who tried to snare him from the Lions.
It was Adelaide who bid their third round draft selection – Pick No.42 overall - for Freeman, which was promptly matched by the Lions, who ended up acquiring him with the fourth round selection (Pick No.59 overall).
Fellow first year player, Nick Robertson and utility, Marco Paparone, have also been added to the Lions extended 25-man squad, which will be finalised tomorrow evening.
The Lions take on Adelaide at the Gabba, Sunday afternoon at 1.10pm.
