Shadeau Brain has joined the Brisbane Lions with the Club pre-selecting the emerging forward as a Category B Rookie from the Queensland Zone.

The Brisbane Lions Academy product earned the rookie spot following some strong performances for the Club’s VFL team, as well as the Allies at the National Championships and Noosa in the QAFL.

Despite facing some challenges with injury in 2022, the Lions are hopeful the 185-centimetre forward has a bright future with the Club.

“We are extremely pleased to add Shadeau onto our list, and in doing so add another Brisbane Lions Academy player from the Sunshine Coast region,” said National Recruiting Manager Stephen Conole.

“Although his year has been impacted through injury, Shadeau showed snippets of his potential through all the levels he played in 2022.

“He is a powerful hybrid forward/midfield type, he is extremely competitive, and he possesses an ability to impact games at both ground level and aerially.

“He will start his time as the Club in a high forward role, and in time we are hopeful he will become another stronger boded midfield option for us.”

Brain, known for his speed and being seen as a ‘x-factor’ player, was on the radar of several other Clubs before the Lions landed the 18-year-old.

The Brisbane Lions also today re-selected veteran Ryan Lester and fellow defender Nakia Cockatoo through the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

In October, the pair were part of the Club’s list management strategy with the Lions at the time making the commitment of re-drafting the duo onto the Club’s rookie list.

Lester, a respected leader and utility, will now gear up for his 13th season after being drafted to the Club with pick 20 in the 2010 National Draft.

While Cockatoo, a former top 10 draft pick who joined Brisbane via Geelong, will pullon a Lions jumper for a third year.