The Brisbane Lions have confirmed their playing list for the 2024 Smithy’s VFL Season with some changes to the squad from 2023.
The Lions were one win away from the VFL Grand Final last season with VFL Coach, Ben Hudson and his men looking to go one better this year.
“Bringing in the likes of Jake Lohmann, Jamison Shea, Ewan Macpherson and Will Martyn, all with VFL experience, gives us another layer of depth across the park,” Hudson said.
“Seeing a few boys return from last season is also great and shows we are building a really nice culture across both the AFL and VFL programs.”
Six Lions Academy members have been promoted to the VFL list following good form during the 2023 Coates Talent League and 2023 VFL season.
“It speaks volumes about our academy/VFL relationship, there's a number of guys that have been from our academy and then we'll get sort of the newer crop that get their chance at VFL level.”
Jack Manly, Liam Hude, Owen Collins, Brad McDonald, Billy Richardson and Sam Marshall will all join the VFL squad in 2024 from the Lions Academy.
Tahj Abberley, Baily Gordon, Kyle Dunkley, Riley Greene, Zack Derksen and Lockie Rayner all return from the 2023 list.
2024 VFL Recruits
Jake Lohmann
Brother of AFL-listed Kai, Jake Lohmann from the Sandringham Zebras played 15 VFL games in 2023 and will add depth across multiple lines for the Lions.
“Jake comes in as a guy who can play either down back or up forward, similar to his brother but as he says he’s smarter and better looking,” Hudson said.
“A mature player, played nearly every game for Sandringham last year so brings a lot of VFL experience.”
Ewan Macpherson
Macpherson joins the Lions from Footscray’s VFL side where he played 44 games in three seasons with the Dogs and has recently been named in the VFL State Squad.
“Ewan has been a consistent performer for Footscray over the last couple of seasons, is a mature body, has good endurance and can play forward or midfield.
“He adds another layer of depth to our group.”
Will Martyn
A former Lions Academy member and Lions NEAFL premiership player in 2019, Martyn returned to Queensland in 2023 after three years at Richmond on their AFL list.
“Will is an ex-academy player, after spending a few years on the AFL list at Richmond.
“You can see why he’s been on an AFL list before, he’s certainly got the talent but also the work ethic.”
Ben Thomas
Maroochydore product, Thomas joins the list after a solid year the QAFL Senior Men’s competition with the Roos.
“He kicks goals as a small forward and performed pretty well during the intra-club matches.
“His scoreboard impact will certainly help us throughout the year but another quality young Sunshine Coast boy.”
Bailey Reeves
Coming from the Finley Cats in the Victorian Football Association, Reeves has played a stint for Central Districts in the SANFL after graduating from the Gold Coast SUNS Academy.
“Bailey provides great depth for us with his endurance and outside run.
“He’s really enjoying training at this level, he’s come through the SANFL and Victorian football as well.”
Jamison Shea
Shea was recruited from Southport after joining the Sharks in 2019 from Footscray’s VFL side and will provide more VFL experience to the list.
“Jamieson has played a number of VFL games down in Southport.
“He is another player who brings more experience and versatility to our group.”
The 2024 Smithy’s VFL Season kicks off this weekend with the Lions travelling to Melbourne to take on Essendon at the NEC Hanger from 1:05pm on Saturday.
