WITH the 2021 AFL Draft done and dusted, Rookie Me Central takes a look through each clubs’ hauls to assess the areas they bolstered and what each fresh face promises to bring to their new side. Next under the microscope is Brisbane, which brought in players with great character to fit in on each line in the National Draft, including another from the fruitful Greater Western Victoria (GWV) region.

National Draft selections:

#16 Darcy Wilmot(Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
#20 Kai Lohmann (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
#41 James Tunstill (East Perth/Western Australia)

Rookie Draft Selections:

#14 Cam Ellis-Yolmen (re-listed)

As expected, Brisbane sought to inject some rebound run to its half-back line and after the likes of Josh Sinn and Campbell Chesser were snapped up, Darcy Wilmot proved a perfect fit. The daring, dashing Northern Knights graduate is the youngest player in the draft pool (born December 31), but blends tenacity with plenty of flair which promises to serve Brisbane well in transition. He’s a top character too, one coach Chris Fagan will love.

The Lions then pulled one of the surprises of the first round, capping off the first 20 selections by taking GWV Rebels product Kai Lohmann. An athletic half-forward whose mindset is set to attack, he is capable of reeling in high marks and looks to make exciting things happen in possession. With a few suitors lining up early in round two, the Lions had little hesitation dipping into the GWV well once again.

West Australian James Tunstill rounded out Brisbane’s National Draft haul at pick 41, as another well-travelled junior set to don the maroon, blue and gold. The East Perth midfielder has a nice balance between in inside and outside ball winning, offering a bit of power in the engine room with his bustling work coming away from stoppages. In the rookie draft, Brisbane also re-listed Cam Ellis-Yolmen.

Overall, the Lions recognised the position of their current list, one which should still content for top four honours, and brought in long-term options high on upside. With the luxury of having the squad depth to develop Lohmann and Tunstill, they could be two players who surprise others with strong rates of development. Wilmot, a young leader, should be primed to play early.