BRISBANE Lion Matthew Leuenberger is ensuring the rucking brotherhood is stronger than ever, playfully warning his teammates off housing new draftee Billy Longer.

Longer was the Lions' first pick in Thursday night's NAB AFL Draft - No.8 overall - and will head to the Gabba this weekend as a prospective long-term rucking partner for Leuenberger.

The Victorian Metro captain stands 202cm and weighs 95kg and is widely regarded as the best ruckman from this year's crop.

With fellow Lions Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff keen to find a new roommate, Leuenberger used his Twitter account to make his intentions clear.

"@reddo30 U and @rockwiz38 can rule out housing billy longer. #shotgunhousingtheruckman," he tweeted following the draft.

It was a vote of confidence for a young man that has shone at both under-16 and under-18 level for the Northern Knights and Vic Metro.

Leuenberger sent the 18-year-old a congratulatory text, and Longer said he could not wait to learn from him and the experienced Lion Ben Hudson.

"What a great combination to learn from. I've been told I might be crashing with Leuenberger and staying with him until Christmas and then we'll see what happens, but that'll be great staying with him for the first bit," Longer said.

"He seems like a good character as well and I can't wait to get to know him better than what I do now."

Greater Western Sydney had eight of the top 10 draft picks, but when they were assembled together for photos, Longer stood head and shoulders above the rest in his Lions colours.

"A lot of those GWS boys I've played with and against, I know it'll be a great thing to line up against them one day in the near future perhaps," the big ruckman said.

Longer started his sporting career in the swimming pool and by playing the round ball code, but was introduced to Australian Rules by his stepfather.

He took up Auskick in grade five before graduating to play for Macleod FC and ultimately the Northern Knights as a 15-year-old.

Longer said apart from his time with the Knights and Vic Metro at both under-16 and under-18 levels, he learnt plenty in the AIS Scholarship program last year.

"I can't forget all the coaching staff, Jason McCartney and Tom Harley as my mentor, they were really great at maturing me as a person and player," he said.

"The fact Vic Metro voted me to be the captain this year, that's helped my development as well. Being able to captain the Metro boys, I put the pressure on myself and made myself improve as a person and player."

Longer said he needed to work on his strength and endurance but was hopeful of playing some games next season - alongside his new housemate of course.

Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mike_whiting

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs