Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Lucky other clubs didn't think the same for Michael Tuck /Dustin Fletcher/Justin Madden (just to name a few) or they would have been lucky to play 50 games between them. LOL.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.
Brisbane Lions captain Tom Rockliff has given Sunshine Coast teenager Eric Hipwood a glowing endorsement after just two games on the big stage.
The 18-year-old forward/defender made a solid debut in a defeat to West Coast at the Gabba a fortnight ago and followed that with a three-goal haul in a loss to Richmond at at the hallowed MCG.
He's clearly caught the eye of star Rockliff, who was on the Sunshine Coast for an AFL camp with keen kids this week.
"He's come in and had an impact straight away," he said.
"He's quite a raw kid and still skinny but you can see the way he's played in his first couple of games that he's a competitor.
"He wants to get out there and perform for the team which is really good."
Indeed, the ex-Caloundra Panther, who is 200cm and 82kg, has been hardly over-awed by the occasions and it seems he has a big future in the game.
"Eric is versatile and can play forward and back and once he puts on a little bit of size he'll be hard to play against," Rockliff said.
"He's very nimble and moves around the field very well.
"He's going to continue to grow up to be a very good player in years to come."
Didn't stop him from getting a free for a high tackle on the weekend.Rocky just likes him because Hipwood's too tall to duck into tackles.
Think he is a massive chance for a rising star nom this week. Was so excited seeing Schache in the first half of the season and was very excited about how good he will be, Hipwood could be even better which is frightening. Very happy we finally have some genuinely exciting talls on our list that have the potential to be stars of the comp in 5 years. Add some classy midfielders through the draft the next couple of years and we are well on the way to climbing back up the ladder.
Unfortunately I think Callum Mills will probably get his long overdue nomination this week.
I saw Hipwood play in the reserves once on a miserable day against a terrible team, and was really disappointed by how contact-averse he seemed.
But in the seniors he clearly relishes the contest, and is eager to throw his weight around, what little of that there is. It might be the challenge that motivates him.
There've been a few players over the last couple of years that have shown promising signs, but have taken a long time to capitalise on them. Hopefully we can keep Hipwood focussed and confident.
He will naturally fill out in the next coming years as well so eventhough it will be important to see him put on a couple of Kg's it needs to be done correctly so as not to put too much load through his body as he develops. Wait until he is 23/24/25 and he will have the body type of Lobb, Ceglar and Daniher.Hipwood wins one on one by positioning and his lengthy arms. From what i have heard he loves the contest loves crashing packs and has plenty of mungrel. Will put on anout 8-10 kgs over his career to end up around the 98-100 which will see him keep his agility. But also get him stronger.
Yeah i didnt mean 8-10kgs this pre season.He will naturally fill out in the next coming years as well so eventhough it will be important to see him put on a couple of Kg's it needs to be done correctly so as not to put too much load through his body as he develops. Wait until he is 23/24/25 and he will have the body type of Lobb, Ceglar and Daniher.
A tall Rafa Nadal for me. LOLI think Hipwood looks like a blend of Bernard Cumberbatch and David Bowie.
A tall Rafa Nadal for me. LOL
Strong overhead and agile for his size, Eric Hipwood played his first professional game of football in Round 13 against the West Coast Eagles where he also managed to kick his first goal. Starting off strong, the 200cm forward continued to impress by averaging 6 kicks, 9.5 disposals and 3.5 handballs. He also impressed in Round 18 against the Bombers with a mark that landed him a nomination for the AFL’s Mark of the Year.
Coach’s notes:
Eric played 10 games in 2016 in his debut season and along with Josh Schache formed the nucleus of what will be our forward line moving forward. He impacted the scoreboard, kicking 11.16 for the season. He showed in his good games especially against Richmond, where he kicked three goals, his ability to mark the footy and use his frame. He’ll be a long-term prospect for us.
Progressed quicker than many thought, and alongside Schache gave Lions supporters hope in a bleak season. Needs to add strength to his lanky frame, but marks the ball strongly overhead and is a thumping kick. Should get more chances next season.
Games: 10
Goals: 11
He was terrific.
And a couple on their arseThe Buddy comparisons are a huge calll, but Jeez, there is something there. Just gets a man on his feet every time he gets near the ball.