Senior Eric Hipwood (2015-)

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Hipwood must bulk-up to play senior footy

Keep a close eye on the AFL team lists in the coming weeks.

Coaster Eric Hipwood came tantalisingly close to making his AFL debut against Melbourne at the weekend, while fellow Coaster Jonathan ‘Jono’ Freeman played just his second senior game of 2016.

A Caloundra Panthers product, Hipwood recently extended his contract with the Wooloongabba-based club by two years.

“I’m loving footy although it’s a little frustrating playing the (reserves),” Hipwood said.

“Being named emergency was a little reward... but I’ve got a lot to work on.”

Working hard, he is.

Lions officials would like the 19-year-old to put on considerable size before entering the AFL in a regular capacity.

Close work with dieticians and hours in the gym is how he plans to bulk up for senior footy. And with the Lions sitting 16th on the AFL Premiership ladder, the young players are waiting for their chance.

Hipwood said despite the club’s 2016 woes, the playing group was still confident they could turn it around.

“We will take time to develop... I’m sure the results will come sooner rather than later,” he said.

“If the supporters stick with us it’ll pay off soon.”

Meanwhile, Freeman pushed his claims for a more prominent role in the side at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, kicking a goal and taking five marks in the Lions tough loss to the Demons.

It’s been a tough road for Freeman, who spent much of 2015 sidelined through injury.

Pick 42 in the 2012 AFL Draft, he would return to play a starring role for the Lions at the back-end of the season, kicking six goals in seven matches.

“Jono is doing fantastic. All credit to him he’s been doing a lot of hard work and its finally paying off for him,” Hipwood said.
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Footy journalism at it's finest

"Pick 42 in the 2012 AFL Draft, he would return to play a starring role for the Lions at the back-end of the season, kicking six goals in seven matches."

Less than a goal a game for a key forward is a starring role?
 

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jackess said:
Footy journalism at it's finest

"Pick 42 in the 2012 AFL Draft, he would return to play a starring role for the Lions at the back-end of the season, kicking six goals in seven matches."

Less than a goal a game for a key forward is a starring role?
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It is in our forward line.
 
Apparently grown a further 3cm this year.. Could be getting almost too tall to play as a predominant KPD/KPF..

Must put on significant weight so he can roll through the ruck eventually
 
dmac_55 said:
Apparently grown a further 3cm this year.. Could be getting almost too tall to play as a predominant KPD/KPF..

Must put on significant weight so he can roll through the ruck eventually
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If he keeps his athleticism it doesn't really matter if he gets taller.
 
dmac_55 said:
Apparently grown a further 3cm this year.. Could be getting almost too tall to play as a predominant KPD/KPF..

Must put on significant weight so he can roll through the ruck eventually
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That would make him around 205cm same as Rory Lobb. I would be stoked if he became the type of player that he is.
 
jjami15 said:
That would make him around 205cm same as Rory Lobb. I would be stoked if he became the type of player that he is.
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I think he needs to put a solid stint of ruck work in the NEAFL both this year and next year. It would be of great benefit to his development as becoming a potential ruck/forward..

What are his skills like below his knees? I know people have recommended him playing defence but he would need to be clean with his hands off the deck and quick decision making
 
dmac_55 said:
I think he needs to put a solid stint of ruck work in the NEAFL both this year and next year. It would be of great benefit to his development as becoming a potential ruck/forward..

What are his skills like below his knees? I know people have recommended him playing defence but he would need to be clean with his hands off the deck and quick decision making
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If you got that from the Twitter feed as I did Leppa still thinks he's a key forward.
 

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What position will he likely play? I hope he gets a crack up forward, could also play a lockdown role on McGovern ensuring the ball comes to ground as much as possible..

This must surely mean that one of west/Stef won't play
 
He had a solid debut I think - he should feel very happy with that as a first up effort playing in a team that was under the gun for most of the day. Some nice signs and he would have gotten a feel for the pace of the game. He can really hoof the ball too. A couple of monster kicks.
 
AFLQLD said:
He had a solid debut I think - he should feel very happy with that as a first up effort playing in a team that was under the gun for most of the day. Some nice signs and he would have gotten a feel for the pace of the game. He can really hoof the ball too. A couple of monster kicks.
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...and some good second efforts/pressure acts around the ball as well.
 
He said his role was to make as many contests as he could and he definitely did this. With Freeman possibly injured and Close still struggling it's his spot to lose.

Those 60 plus metre bombs could come in handy to get someone out the back if we can break through the zone.
 
To be honest I actually feared for this kid when he got his debut in relation to his body but have been very impressed. There was a contested marking situation yesterday later in the game and he just threw his body at it to crash the pack and his kicking action at goal is very smooth and straight and from last year looks like he has put a lot of work into it. Hope they manage him (and Schache) through the rest of the year but keep him in and let him rest when need be.
 
Freak. He will just keep jumping and crashing packs all game even though he is so slight. He is a tough bastard as well. During the preseason intraclub he went up and almost took a great pack mark over Merrett but on the way down his head got collected by Merretts knee (could hear the crunch 15m away) was in pain but got up an continued to play. I think he kicked 2 goals but could have had 5 easy.
 
His toughness and aggression at the ball is what sets him apart from some of the other young KPF's on our list, notably Close and Freeman. Neither of them seeks to impose himself on the contest like Hipwood. Hammelmann also has a more physical game and although still a rookie may well end up overtaking the other two.
 
Eric's goal kicking has been pretty darn good. Very deliberate and straight approach.
 
WhiteLionFeva said:
Eric's goal kicking has been pretty darn good. Very deliberate and straight approach.
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Yep good call. I was particularly worried about this aspect of Eric's game but his approach is so measured and assured. You would think he was the supposed dead-eye from the under-18s
 

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Senior Eric Hipwood (2015-)

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