Brisbanes Rookies

Ringo · November 27, 2013, 12:45:40 PM

See Richmond as was mooted have taken Todd Banfield so no real loss there.

I welcome the rookies we have taken
Isaac Conway has been great at the academy for the last couple of years. Deserves the position
Zac O'Brien from Essendon VFL - Do not know a lot about him but we probably had to change tack when Banfield was selected.
Archie Smith - No real surprise here as I had speculated he would be taken in rookie draft following loss of Longer. Will have 2 rucks in Michael and Smith on the rookie list as coverage for berger, West and Martin should injury occur. (Not real sure on Martin though)

Ricochet · November 27, 2013, 02:41:24 PM

They say, we say: Club-by-club verdicts on the 2013-14 Pre-Season and Rookie Drafts

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-27/they-say-we-say-rookie-draft-verdicts

We say
Following a disastrous start to the off-season, the Lions have managed to right the ship by bringing in depth in the areas they needed. After five homesick players left during the trade period, they initially went about loading up on tall talent for both ends of the ground, but opted to address the midfield with their rookie picks. Isaac Conway and Zac O'Brien are terrific hard-working midfielders, while Archie Smith is a project ruckman, having only switched from basketball in the past 12 months. He is a long-term back-up to Matthew Leuenberger and sits in nicely behind recruited Cat Trent West. With Jackson Paine, Luke McGuane, and draftees Darcy Gardiner and Daniel McStay all coming in, the Lions have further addressed their need for key talls. However, the real cream came in selecting ready-made James Aish at pick number seven and stealing livewire Lewis Taylor at no.28 in the national draft. Rookie coach Justin Leppitsch should now have depth to pick from in most positions. - Michael Whiting

Noz · November 27, 2013, 02:47:59 PM

Zac O'Brien isn't from Essendon thats Nick O'Brien you are thinking of I'm not sure if they are related.

Zac is a mature aged midfielder where he spent the season playing for Essendon in the VFL where he averaged 22 disposals and 5 marks a game. Could just be what the Lions need to be honest when Moloney hangs up the boots, Also ran a 14.3 beep test.

Justin Bieber · November 27, 2013, 03:00:32 PM

Issac is a great bloke. Great pick up there :)

Good he gets to stay at home.

Ringo · November 27, 2013, 03:40:26 PM

Meet the Rookie Draftees joining Nick Hayes. Jordan Bourke and Sam Michael on the rookie list

Pick 6 Isaac Conway http://www.lions.com.au/news/2013-11-27/pick-no6
Summary
An inside midfielder who is clean below his knees and has good hands in traffic. Conway played for both Aspley and the Lions reserves in the NEAFL and looked right at home against senior bodies. A strong character with leadership qualities, he is a good decision maker and was rewarded as captain of Queensland at the national U18 championships. A composed student of the game who shows football smarts and a strong work ethic.

Pick 23 - Zac O'Brien http://www.lions.com.au/news/2013-11-27/pick-no23-
Summary
A mature-aged midfielder, O'Brien plied his trade for the Essendon VFL team last season after coming from Yarrawonga and Aberfeldie. Turning 23 a month before the draft, O'Brien has forged a reputation as a workaholic midfielder who is hard at the contest. A 14.3 beep test at the state combine is testament to his endurance. He also boasts clean hands and makes smart decisions with the ball.

Pick 69 - Archie Smith http://www.lions.com.au/news/2013-11-27/pick-no39-
Summary
Exciting and athletic ruckman who comes from a basketball background. Has an impressive vertical leap which often allows him to jump over his opponents and get first hands on the ball. A strong competitor who thrives in the physicality of the contest in the air and at ground level.

Overall think we have recruited well and have the players to carry us to a premiership.

nrich102 · November 27, 2013, 05:57:54 PM

Woo, Archie. Conway played for Aspley >:( lol. Lions, y u no promote Sam Michael :( :P

Justin Bieber · November 27, 2013, 06:31:21 PM

Quote from: nrich102 on November 27, 2013, 05:57:54 PM
Woo, Archie. Conway played for Aspley >:( lol. Lions, y u no promote Sam Michael :( :P

I played for Aspley!

nrich102 · November 27, 2013, 06:32:22 PM

Quote from: whatlez on November 27, 2013, 06:31:21 PM
Quote from: nrich102 on November 27, 2013, 05:57:54 PM
Woo, Archie. Conway played for Aspley >:( lol. Lions, y u no promote Sam Michael :( :P
I played for Aspley!

Well that explains a lot :P lol

silloc · December 05, 2013, 10:02:02 AM

Forgot to post this the other day, i had dt scores all worked out in a spread sheet for the essendon VFL side.
Thought sombody might be interested in zac o'briens stats.
94 75 63 85 110 60 83 80 110 154 100, average 92.18

Ringo · December 05, 2013, 10:13:12 AM

Thanks Siloc

Know we took him as a rookie but suspect he will be elevated reasonably quickly as he is mature aged and his body is ready for the rigours of AFL. Looked good at the open training session as well.

Can not see him breaking into Brisbane's strong midfield atm but will be a very handy back up should injury intervene.