When Jordon Bourke’s name was read out by the Brisbane Lions during Tuesday’s AFL Rookie Draft, it proved a significant announcement in more ways than one.

Not only was Bourke set to follow in his father Damian’s footsteps by representing Brisbane’s AFL team, but he also became the first ever player drafted to the Club via the Hyundai Lions Academy.

The Lions Academy program was introduced in 2009 to help the Club develop aspiring young AFL players (between the ages of 12 and 18) in their own backyard.

Bourke fit the bill perfectly - he was born in Brisbane, grew up only a stone’s throw away from the Gabba, and had proven he could actually play by being voted the Division Two MVP at the U16 NAB AFL Championships.

He was invited to train with the Lions ahead of the Rookie Draft - joining fellow Academy aspirants and occasional Queensland teammates Cain Tickner and Isaac Conway - before ultimately being offered a chance to live his dream.

With Tickner and Conway ineligible to be drafted until 2013, Bourke’s call-up helped etch him into history.

The 18 year-old said he was relieved to finally get an opportunity to play AFL - and being able to remain in his home State was a bonus.

“It’s pretty surreal, especially to stay in Brisbane to kick off my footy career,” Bourke told lions.com.au.

“I get to stay at home and get home-cooked meals every night. Having my family around makes it a lot easier.”

“It’s a huge relief, especially after (missing out on) the National Draft. I didn’t have too many expectations going into the National Draft, but it can be a bit disappointing when your name doesn’t get called out.”

“I was planning on continuing next year with footy, even if (an AFL career) didn’t go ahead.”

Bourke is now determined to make the most of his opportunity by working hard on the training track and quickly adapting to the tough demands than come with being part of an AFL club.

“It’s a massive step up, even from (playing with) Queensland, Morningside and the AIS,” Bourke said.

“Especially training-wise, the length of training and everything is a big step up.”

“For the first pre-season, I really just want to gain the respect of the players and push my fitness levels so I can keep up with that main group. That’s my main goal.”

Hopefully Bourke is the first of many young Queenslanders to eventually graduate from the Hyundai Lions Academy and earn their place on the Club’s list.