Brisbane Lions midfielder Dan Annable has been selected to make his AFL debut in Saturday night’s Round 1 clash against the Sydney Swans at the SCG.
Saturday night will also be a special occasion for off-season recruit and former Essendon ruckman Sam Draper who will play his first game as a Lion.
Annable, a graduate and captain of the Youi Brisbane Lions Academy, is the Club’s second debutant in as many weeks - following Zane Zakostelsky last week.
The 18-year-old Queensland local played juniors for Redland-Victoria Point before he was drafted with Pick 6 in 2025, with the Lions matching a bid from Richmond.
““It’s a dream come true to play for a team I grew up loving and supporting so to be running out in Lions colours will be awesome,” Annable said
“I had a good preseason, my body feels good and just can’t wait to get out there and show what I can do.
“I’ve worked quite closely with Hugh McCluggage who has worked on heaps of vision and midfield craft with me which has me well prepared.
“And also Jaspa (Fletcher) who I am living with has really taken me under his wing and helped me get to this position so I can.”
Annable was drafted following an impressive underage career starring at all levels and finishing in the Top 10 for the 2km time trial at the National Draft Combine.
The talented 184-centimetre midfielder was a standout for the Allies in the National Championships and when playing for the Lions at VFL level in 2025.
Coach Chris Fagan started his address to the playing group by announcing Annable would make his AFL debut.
“We have known you for a long time, you’ve been training with us for a few years now and earnt a lot of respect from all your teammates,” Fagan said.
“As you can see by the reaction (to your announcement) everyone is enthusiastic for you to get that opportunity.
“What we do know is you are going to give your best in whatever role you play this weekend.
“So, well done to you and it’s good to have another Academy player come through into our senior team.”
Fagan also let the team know Draper would be pulling on the maroon, blue and gold for the first time.
Draper, standing at an imposing 205 centimetres, arrived at Brighton Homes Arena in October as an unrestricted free agent via the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.
The 27-year-old played 78 games and kicked 43 goals for the Bombers after being selected with Pick 1 in the 2016 AFL Rookie Draft.
Draper will wear number two for the Lions, with Annable to wear the number 14 guernsey.
