Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy member Eric Hipwood has been rewarded for a stellar off-season with inclusion in the AFL National Academy squad for 2014/15.

Hipwood, a tall forward from Caloundra, showed his potential throughout the season with strong performances as an over ager in the National U16 championships.

He caught the eye of selectors with an impressive effort playing in defence with the Brisbane Lions Reserves in the NEAFL as well, underlining his versatility.

The Panther becomes the second Queenslander included in the Level Two squad, alongside Morningside’s Ben Keays.

As part of the Academy, which is made up of some of the nation’s most talented junior footballers, Hipwood will have the opportunity to participate in camps under the mentorship of high-profile coaches, including former Western Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson, West Coast Eagles premiership player Glen Jakovich and former Essendon Captain, Matthew Lloyd.

The teen’s first experience with the squad will come in the first week of December, at the program’s second camp in Melbourne.

In January, the Level Two players will head to the USA for two weeks, to train at some of the country’s elite sporting facilities.

He will also have two week-long stints of training at an AFL club through the  pre-season.

Hipwood showed his impressive marking abilities in those championships and kicked 10 goals over the three matches of the Championships, including two four-goal hauls.

The 17 year-old had an injury interrupted start to the season, ultimately preventing him from training with the Queensland U18s squad as a bottom ager.

AFL Academies Manager for Queensland and NSW/ACT, Mark Browning, said Hipwood’s selection was

“This is an outstanding result for Eric and a great opportunity to train with the best 35 players in Australia,” he said.

“It is a recognition of his performances at the AFL National U16 Championships playing d and a couple of strong performances playing for the Lions in the NEAFL."

Much like Liam Dawson and Harris Andrews, who will officially become senior Lions players at tonight's NAB AFL Draft, Hipwood and Keays will be among a raft of promising Academy talent eligible for drafting next year.