THE BRISBANE Lions now have six players from their Academy on the list after selecting forward Matt Hammelmann in Wednesday's NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

 

Hammelmann stands 197cm and weighs 88kg and was a sure bet to be taken by the Lions after narrowly missing selection in last week's National Draft.

 

He joins 2014 draftees Liam Dawson (No.44) and Harris Andrew (No.61) along with 2013 selections Jono Freeman and Archie Smith (rookie) and 2012 selection Jordon Bourke (rookie) as Lions Academy graduates to get a chance in the AFL.

 

Hammelmann was impressive at this year's Under-18 Championships, kicking seven goals from three games. He is quick on the lead and has strong hands.

 

Lions recruiting manager Stephen Conole said the club was close to taking him last week, but after committing to Dawson, Andrews and father-son selection Josh Clayton, had to wait.

 

The Lions also shored up their midfield and backline depth with the selections of Bendigo's Billy Evans and Oakleigh Charger Hugh Beasley.

 

Pearce Hanley's younger brother Cian was also officially added to the list as an International Rookie.

 

He has been in Australia three weeks but will not play in 2015 as he recovers from an ACL injury.

 

Recruiting manager Stephen Conole says: "Billy's a developing inside midfielder and we're confident that he can continue this development and fulfill a role through our midfield." 

 

Recruiting manager Stephen Conole says: "Hugh's a boy that we've watched throughout the past three seasons, although this is the first year he's had a full uninterrupted season with injury. We've been really impressed with his ability to play on talls and smalls. We feel his pace and agility is in the highest echelon, and we're hopeful he can play a role down back on different types and sizes."

 

Recruiting manager Stephen Conole says: "We were actually very close to using one of our National Draft selections on Matty, but he ended up missing out given we had already committed to taking Dawson, Andrews, and Clayton so far out from the draft. So we were ecstatic that he got through to the Rookie Draft and obviously had no hesitation in nominating him as a priority Academy rookie selection."

 

Recruiting manager Stephen Conole says: "Cian is a focused, diligent young man who has impressed us all with his professional attitude and drive to improve. As captain of his Mayo (County) team, Cian has similarly impressed with his leadership and strong work ethic. His form for Mayo this season had been outstanding and no doubt he is now regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Ireland."