Development Coach Paul Henriksen told lions.com.au the NEAFL side has helped upskill many of the promising Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy talent coming through.

On the weekend Academy player Noah Cumberland kicked his first goal in the NEAFL in the Lions’ win over the SUNS at the Gabba. This was just days after competing for Queensland at the Under 18 National Championships.

“It was a great opportunity for him to come into our squad,” Henriksen said.

Cumberland is of several Academy players, including Will Martyn, Bruce Reville and Tom Wischnat, who have had their first taste of senior football this year.

“He was probably a little bit at sea early on but later in the game he got to kick his first goal. It was great,” Henriksen said.

14 Academy players have had the opportunity to play NEAFL this season. 

The Academy players learn so much from their more experienced NEAFL teammates, who are happy to show them the ropes.

“We’ll try and upskill him as quickly as possible to the way we want to play,” he said.

“He’ll only get better from that, playing with those guys.”