The 2011 AFL National Draft will be held tonight at Sydney Olympic Park, and the Brisbane Lions are bringing you all the action LIVE on lions.com.au.
This page will be updated throughout the night as selections are made and will be your one-stop shop for all Brisbane Lions related Draft news - so make sure you bookmark it!
Stay tuned from 7.00pm (6.00pm Queensland time) as the Draft commences and we add four new Lions to the pride.
Make sure you follow us on Twitter (@BrisbaneLions) and like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BrisbaneLionsAFC) for instant updates.
11:07am - National Recruiting Manager Graeme Hadley explains the AFL drafting process to Lions fans in an exclusive article on lions.com.au.
5.36pm - The Lions contingent has arrived at Olympic Park. GM Football Dean Warren, Senior Coach Michael Voss, National Talent Manager Rob Kerr, National Recruiting Manager Graeme Hadley, Assistant Recruiting Manager Stephen Conole, and Manny Lynch and Nathan Clarke from the Welfare, Leadership and Culture department are all on the floor.
7.15pm - 2011 AFL National Draft has commenced and the Lions have taken Billy Longer with their first round pick. AFL National Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan describes him as “a deceptively quick ruckman who excels at stoppages with his tap work.” Billy, a 202cm ruckman, earned All-Australian honours in 2011 for his outstanding on-field performance and leadership during the Under 18 Championships. He averaged 11.7 disposals, four marks and 29 hit outs for the Northern Knights in 2011.
7.30pm - Straight onto Pick No.12. The Lions have taken Sam Docherty. AFL National Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan describes him as “a rebounding defender who reads the play extremely well and uses the ball efficiently, especially by foot.” In the TAC Cup, he averaged 22.1 disposals per game and shows great versatility. Sam comes from Phillip Island FC/Gippsland Power, is 183cm and 85kg.
7.33pm - All happening here in Sydney. Compensation Pick No.30. We've taken Elliot Yeo. Kevin Sheehan says he is “a speedy defender who shows good run and carry.” Elliot has been described as having good ball use and pace. At 189cm, he is a medium sized defender who has outstanding athleticism. Elliot hails from Attadale JFC/East Fremantle.
7.45pm - Here we are at Pick No.47 and the Lions have taken Patrick Wearden. That's all four new draftees for the night, with the elevation of rookie Mitch Golby with our final pick, Pick No.69.
7.50pm - Stay tuned to lions.com.au for comments from National Talent Manager Rob Kerr, as well as a more in-depth look into our new players.
