Lions Academy raided as more NEAFL players selected in NAB AFL Draft

Seven NEAFL players have earned a place on AFL lists this year following the conclusion of the NAB AFL National, Rookie and Pre-Season Drafts in Melbourne this week.

GIANTS Academy member Tom Green was the highest selection at No.10 after the GIANTS matched Carlton’s bid for the inside midfielder when the first round got underway on Wednesday night.

On Thursday, three more players had their names called out with Lions Academy member Keidean Coleman involved in a tense bidding process between Brisbane and Essendon.

After the Bombers bid for the skilful utility at pick 37, the Lions orchestrated pick swaps with multiple clubs in order to match the bid and secure the NEAFL premiership player and Team of the Year member.

Brisbane recruiting Manager Steve Conole told lions.com.au the club was proud to reward Coleman’s dedication.

“After being overlooked in last year’s draft it is a credit to Keidean how hard he has worked, and for all his consistent performance with our NEAFL team this year,” he said. 

“We look forward to seeing what he can deliver now he is in our system full time.”

Next to follow was Lions Academy member Noah Cumberland, who was snapped up by Richmond with pick 43 after Brisbane decided not to match the bid for the promising Maroochydore product.

After his NAB league games, he was selected and played all four games for the Allies before finishing his season with five games at senior NEAFL level, including playing in the Lions premiership side.

The Tigers weren’t done yet, selecting Aspley’s Will Martyn with the very next pick after the Lions also chose not to match Richmond’s bid for the Lions Academy member.

Martyn, who is an Aspley junior, represented the Allies this year whilst also playing in the NEAFL for both Aspley and Brisbane.

The four ‘live’ selections are in addition to three Gold Coast’s pre-selected players in SUNS Academy duo Connor Budarick and Matt Conroy, plus NT Thunder’s Malcolm Rosas.

2019 NEAFL Draftees

Tom Green (GIANTS Academy/Maris College) to GIANTS, national pick 10
Keidean Coleman (Lions Academy/Morningside) to Brisbane, national pick 37
Noah Cumberland (Lions Academy/Maroochydore) to Richmond, national pick 43
Will Martyn (Aspley/Lions Academy) to Richmond, national pick 44
Connor Budarick (SUNS Academy/Labrador) to Gold Coast, pre-selection
Matthew Conroy (SUNS Academy/Broadbeach) to Gold Coast, pre-selection
Malcolm Rosas (NT Thunder) to Gold Coast, pre-selection

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