Matthew Hammelmann and his family weren’t the only ones rejoicing after he was selected by the Brisbane Lions at Wednesday’s 2014 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

Liam Dawson, whose own selection was formalised at last week’s NAB AFL Draft, would also have been thrilled to hear that he will be reunited once again with his fellow Hyundai Help for the Kids Lions Academy graduate.

Hammelmann and Dawson have risen through the local football ranks together in Queensland, and were the State’s only national U18 AIS-AFL Academy representatives.

The pair even travelled to Europe together midway through the year as part of the exclusive program.

During the trip, Dawson commented on how great it was to share the experience with his good mate.   

"I've grown up with him, and pretty much played all my footy with him as well, so it's good to have someone there who knows what it's like,” Dawson told afl.com.au.

“I wouldn't want to share it with anyone else.”

Hammelmann, who has played the majority of his junior football up forward, said the tour exposed him to the professional nature of senior AFL football.

“On the trip I've learned a fair bit about keeping your concentration for the whole period and leaving no stone unturned. That's what it's like at an AFL club,” Hammelmann told afl.com.au.

“You've got to be switched on all the time and not make any mistakes. You need to be on the ball all the time.”