The Brisbane Lions have topped up its list via the 2024 Mid-Season Rookie Draft by welcoming a trio of new talent to the Club on Wednesday night.
Using three of its four picks the Lions opted for versatility with hybrid forward Will McLachlan, rebound defender Luke Beecken and small forward Darcy Craven.
Brisbane Lions National Recruiting Manager Stephen Conole said the Club was very happy with its three new additions.
“We are really excited to welcome Will, Luke and Darcy to the Brisbane Lions and look forward to seeing what they can achieve in our AFL environment,” Conole said.
“These three players provide us with more options and flexibility in a range of positions across the ground and all have potential to come in and play roles for us.”
McLachlan, a 19-year-old from the Geelong Falcons who was overlooked in last year’s National Draft, was the Lions first selection.
The exciting young forward has impressed in the Coates Talent League as the competition’s current leading goalkicker and with his strong overhead marking ability.
“Will is a dynamic player whose speed and finishing skills will be a welcome addition to us,” Conole said.
“After missing out on last year’s draft Will’s work ethic and aptitude to work on his game has been enormous.”
With its next pick the Lions looked to bolster its backline by adding Beecken, a defender from SANFL Club Woodville West Torrens.
The all-round defender has played more than 50 games in the SANFL, including a premiership, and has represented South Australia in state football.
“Luke is a well-balanced defender whose speed and ball use across halfback has established him as one of the best players in the SANFL competition,” Conole said.
“He is a player we have been watching for a few seasons at Woodville West Torrens.
“He provides run and ball use from the back half and will provide us with another option through the back end of the ground.”
Capping off a successful night at the 2024 Mid-Season Rookie Draft the Lions secured Craven from the East Perth Football Club.
A quick, elusive small forward, Craven possesses a potent left foot and has illustrated this through his ability to hit the scoreboard through varying facets of play.
“Darcy is another boy from the South West region of Western Australia via East Perth FC to be on our list,” Conole said.
“He is a great story as he came up from the country full time this year and has broken into a strong Royals League team.
“He is a small forward whose speed and kicking adds a different dimension to our current group.”
The Brisbane Lions passed on its fourth pick of the night.
