A couple of Queensland's top 2014 draft prospects had a preview of what their future might hold, when Liam Dawson, Matt Hammelmann spent last week training with the Brisbane Lions as part of the AIS-AFL Academy program.

As well as training sessions, the youngsters joined the Lions in their team meetings and gym sessions throughout the week.

Dawson, a standout player for Queensland in the 2013 national U18 championships, said the training was a level above anything he’d done before.

“I didn’t realise how intense or how hard it would be on our bodies and minds,” Dawson said.

“The running, the conditioning side of it (was a surprise). The amount they do in a training session is massive.

“It has given us an idea of what we’re coming into.”

The Redcliffe junior said he relished the chance to mix it with AFL players and take advice from some of the game’s elite.

“Getting to know the big name players (such as) Jonathan Brown, Brent Staker, Simon Black and those boys and being around the club is a highlight for us,” he said.

“I’ve loved every bit of the week.”

Dawson’s state teammate, Hammelmann, honed his contested marking skills in the week, soaking up advice from Lions development coach, Mitch Hahn and testing himself against some of the club’s big forwards.

At 198cm, Hammelmann looms as a key forward prospect for AFL clubs, and said he had learned to harness his size better in his time at the Lions.

“I’ve learnt a lot about how to position my body,” he said.

“It will help a lot, having that experience now to take back to club and the academy and it’ll help me with that.”

“We’ve got a big year ahead so I think it will help us step up in the state games, which will be at that higher intensity, and will help us play well.”

Being able to sit in on team meetings was another interesting aspect for the Morningside junior.

“We got to sit in on all their structures and listen to what they talk about and what they think are important things,” he said.

“Things like getting through a zone or setting up in different situations.

Dawson and Hammelmann, who are members of the Lions Academy, also took part in some of the club’s main pre-season training sessions as part of the program.