Our interstate Draftees were ‘all smiles’ as they touched down in Brisbane today.

Sam Skinner, Rhys Mathieson and Josh Schache were greeted in Brisbane by Lions Captain Tom Rockliff, and Strategy and Retention Manager Craig Lambert.

Later they joined CEO Greg Swann and his wife Leonie who hosted a barbecue at their family home - sharing a meal with Leigh Matthews, Dayne Beams, Dan Merrett, Tom Rockliff, the Lamberts, Matthew Francis, and the other newly recruited players.

“The boys were all smiles and laughing. They seem really settled,” said Lambert.

“These next three weeks are critical before they go back home for Christmas. It’s really important that we let them and their families know how much support they have at the Club.

“After Christmas is probably the toughest part for the players. It all becomes real as they come home and start preparing to play footy.”

Josh Schache will move into Daniel Merrett’s family home as he settles in Brisbane, while Rhys Mathieson and Sam Skinner will live with the Swann’s.

“I don’t think there’d be too many clubs that would have their CEO’s open up their homes for a barbecue with the new kids, and to host two players”

The boys will have their first official day as Brisbane Lions players tomorrow.

Later in the week the Club will have the Lethal Lions Family Induction, where the Club will induct each draftee and their family into the Brisbane Lions family.