In one of the, if not the most, remarkable AFL debut stories to date, Matt Eagles will make his AFL debut this Sunday against Collingwood at the Gabba. 

Brisbane Lions Senior Coach Chris Fagan confirmed to the playing group this morning, that after being elevated to the Primary List yesterday, Eagles will be named in the Lions' team for Sunday's clash.

Eagles has one of the most remarkable journeys ever to achieving an AFL berth. The 28-year-old came to the Lions via Foxtel’s reality program The Recruit in 2016 as a Category B Rookie. Before turning professional, he had worked in the mines, owned a landscaping business and did dredging work.

No stranger to hard work, Fagan paid tribute to Eagles’ dedication and commitment to the Club when announcing his debut to the group.

“To your credit, you have worked so hard on your game, with your skills and also the way you’re willing to look after your body,” he said.

“You’re an incredibly dedicated player at this Club.

“Welcome to AFL footy at the ripe old age of 28.”

Growing up in Port Lincoln in South Australia, Eagles did not start playing until he was a teenager. He would go on to play SANFL for the Port Adelaide Magpies, VFL for the North Ballarat Rebels and also locally at the Yeronga Devils.

“The journey has been a bit of a rollercoaster coming from a different pathway. I've loved it and I’d like to take this time to thank everyone involved in the journey,” Eagles said.

“I’m just really proud to put the jumper on.”

On Sunday afternoon he will pull on the number 41 guernsey against the Magpies,