The Brisbane Lions have signed Bruce Reville to a Category B rookie deal for one-year following a stellar season in the VFL.

A graduate of the Lions Academy, the 22-year-old has been part of the Den since 2012.

Reville was born in Papua New Guinea, grew up in Cairns until he was seven before moving to Burrum Heads where he began his journey for the Burrum Joeys under 9’s.

Playing most of his junior footy for the Maryborough Bears before moving to Brisbane in 2016 with his family, Reville continued to pursue his footballing dream, playing for Sherwood Magpies in the QAFL.

Despite not being selected in his draft year in 2019, Reville joined the inaugural Lions VFL squad in 2021 and has been part of the VFL list ever since.

Brisbane Lions General Manager of Football, Danny Daly knows that Reville’s selection is a reward for hard work and resolve.

“Bruce's story is a unique one, and one centred around persistence and determination, he's spent the better part of seven years in our Academy, developing and honing his craft,” Daly said.

“He's then put forward some really strong seasons in our VFL program, and subsequently earned himself a spot on our AFL list next year.

“He has always had a team-first mentality and is really selfless in his approach to footy, I'm really looking forward to working even closer with him in 2024.”

A consistent performer for the Lions in the VFL, Reville played a number of roles throughout the year averaging 15 touches and booted nine goals in 12 outings in 2023.

Former Lions VFL coach and current coach of the Lions Academy boys, Mitch Hahn, has played an enormous role in Reville’s rise through the ranks.

“Brucey is a silky mover across the footy ground, his ball use inside 50 is some of the best going around,” Hahn said.

“He’s got great vision, and he’s just constantly improving. His contested footy in particular has come a long way.

“Bruce provided great flexibility for us as players moving between VFL and AFL, Bruce could essentially slot into any line required.

“He played a bit of half back, wing, through the middle, half forward, and he had impact everywhere.”