GIANT Brisbane Lions draftee Eric Hipwood will make his debut against West Coast on Saturday.
Lions coach Justin Leppitsch told the playing group on Tuesday morning and the club released the news that afternoon with a video on its website.
Hipwood, a Lions Academy product, was taken at No.14 in last year's AFL Draft after the club matched Richmond's bid for him.
The 18-year-old is listed at 200cm and 82kg, but Leppitsch revealed last week that he had grown 3cm since pre-season.
Hipwood has been a strong contributor in the Lions' NEAFL team in recent weeks and can play forward, back or in the ruck.
Upon hearing the news, Hipwood was stuck for words, saying he was "just looking forward to it".
He joins Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson and Jarrad Jansen as debutants this season.
