Brisbane Lions rookie Jordon Bourke seems to be enjoying the spoils that come with playing in defence.

As a junior, Bourke played exclusively up forward, where he experienced first-hand the types of tactics used by close-checking defenders.

The 193cm Queensland has since put that knowledge to good use in his newfound role with the Lions Reserves’ backline in the NEAFL.

In his 11 State League matches so far this season, Bourke has effected 79 spoils – 13 more than any other player across both the NEAFL Northern and Eastern Conferences.

What makes the statistic even more impressive is the fact the Lions Reserves average the least amount of Inside 50s against (44) in the NEAFL, meaning he’s probably seen less action than most of his fellow State League defenders.

As well as being a dour defender, Bourke has also proven capable with the ball in his hands and averages 17 disposals per game at an efficiency rate of 84%.

A stunning 14-mark display by the 18-year-old during last Friday’s match against Sydney in Blacktown saw him named at centre half-back in the Round 15 NEAFL Team of the Week.

He was one of four Lions players to be selected, along with Jesse O’Brien, Patrick Karnezis and Josh Green.

“Jordon’s first season in defence has been remarkable really considering he played all his junior football as a forward,” Lions GM Football Operations Dean Warrem said.

“It’s great for his development, and means that he could potentially fill a key position for us at either end of the ground in the future.”

Even though the Lions have long identified a need for a strong marking forward, key defenders are also high up on the Club’s ‘wish list’.

With Matt Maguire (29), Daniel Merrett (28) and Joel Patfull (28) all entering the twilight of their careers, Bourke could potentially form part of the Lions’ next generation of defenders alongside fellow rookie Justin Clarke.