Since the beginning of 2011, the Hyundai Brisbane Lions Academy has played an important role in targeting, attracting and developing potential AFL players aged between 12 and 18 in the Club’s zoned areas around Queensland.

Jordon Bourke made history by becoming the first ever member of the Lions Academy to graduate onto the Club’s list when he was selected by the Lions at last year’s AFL Rookie Draft.

A further nine Lions Academy members – including familiar names Cain Tickner, Isaac Conway, Archie Smith and Jonathan Freeman – have been lodged as potential bid selections for this year’s NAB AFL Draft in November.

There is also an exciting batch of younger Academy players who Lions fans should keep an eye out – however they won’t be eligible to be drafted until 2014..

Two such players – Matthew Hammelman and Liam Dawson – were recently named in the 17th AIS-AFL Academy squads.

Hammelman and Dawson are among 61 of the best young AFL talents in the country to receive an AIS-AFL Academy scholarship.

As part of the exclusive squad, the pair will receive specialist coaching from AIS-AFL High Performance Coach Michael O’Loughlin at regular training camps throughout 2014.

Please find below detailed profiles on Matthew Hammelman and Liam Dawson, who are part of the next crop of Lions Academy hopefuls.

MATTHEW HAMMELMAN

DOB: 8 March 1996
Height: 196cm
Weight: 84kg
Club/s: QUEENSLAND/LIONS ACADEMY/MORNINGSIDE

BIO: Tall forward with excellent marking ability and leg speed as well as clean hands. Is very good both on the lead and in a one on one contest. A very reliable set shot for goal with a good understanding of where to lead and find the football. Has the ability to bring his team mates into the game. Averaged 11 disposals and 5 marks at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Hyundai Lions Academy Manager Luke Curran Says:
“Matt is still growing and is quick for his size with good hands. We will be focusing on building his body strength over summer, which will help improve his contested marking along with his repeat effort running. Played four out of the five State U18 games as a tall forward, and kicked a goal in every game – including the winning goal against Northern Territory in the final match.”

LIAM DAWSON

DOB: 23 January 1996
Height: 188cm
Weight: 78kg
Club/s: QUEENSLAND/LIONS ACADEMY/ASPLEY

BIO: Medium forward/defender with excellent overhead marking ability either on the lead or in the contested situation. A courageous player who reads the game very well and makes great decisions with his disposal by hand or foot. Shared the Harrison Medal for Division Two as well as earning All-Australian honours. Also won Queensland’s MVP for his consistent performances during the championships.

Hyundai Lions Academy Manager Luke Curran Says:
“Liam’s maturity and effort over the past 12 months to improve his body and fitness levels has enabled him to play through the middle of the ground more, instead of key position as was the case in his early junior football. He can play as a hit-up forward, through the midfield/wing, or down back as versatile defender. He had a great State U18 program, which was capped off when he won the QLD MVP award, was the equal winner of the Division Two best player award, and earned All Australian selection as a bottom age player.