LEARNING tricks of the trade from a stacked premiership-winning midfield, Brisbane Lions Academy prospect Daniel Annable is primed to shine in his top-age campaign. The prolific midfielder is among a deep pool of Queensland natives expected to feature at the pointy end of this year’s draft crop.

Annable burst onto the scene as the Lions’ Under 16 MVP in 2023, the same year he debuted for the Lions’ Under 18 side. He went on to represent the Allies as a bottom-ager last year and is now part of the esteemed National Academy. We spoke to him at the weekend’s Queensland preseason testing event.

PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Daniel, when did you start taking up football and what are some of your earliest memories of it?

DA: “Obviously being in Queensland, it’s probably changed a little bit now, but back in the day it was very much rugby-focused. I think that’s what I wanted to do until my dad played footy late in his career and kind of pushed me towards that, also a couple of mates at primary school. That’s how I really got into it and loved it ever since.”

Q: How long have you been with the Lions Academy?

DA: “I’ve been with the Lions since Under 12s, the Level One program. It’s been great, I think I wouldn’t be here without them and they’ve taught me so much, so I’m very thankful and I’ve loved my time throughout the years with them.”

Q: How has your preseason been?

DA: “It’s been really good. I’ve been lucky enough to be with the AFL [squad] for a good six-week block, which was awesome to get around the boys and they’re really inviting and comfortable to be around, which is great. Then just recently in the past two weeks I’ve come back to the academy and it’s the same there. The standards are high so it’s been easy to come back in and be around the boys and hopefully teach them a few things and share the knowledge that I’ve learnt.”

Q: How do you think your experiences in the pathway have set you up for your top-age year?

DA: “Very well. Allies last year was great exposure and experience, and I learned a lot from that. Knowing what it’s about, what needs to be done has set me up well. Then obviously with the National Academy, having those camps and the Futures game, getting to know a few boys around the country and getting pretty close to them. When we verse them we’ll be able to have a conversation and it just makes it a real fun and hopefully exciting year.”

Q: Can you describe yourself as a player? 

DA: “Clean inside the contests. Being able to be one-touch and poised and composed with ball in hand to use my hands to release. Then also being able to cover the ground and use my running ability two ways.”

Q: What are some of the things you’re looking to improve on?

DA: “Throughout last year I was definitely working on my kicking. We’re lucky enough to have Grant Birchall as one of the [Lions Academy] assistant coaches, so I’ve been working closely with him with kicking programs. I’ll continue to do that this year. I see that as a growth area for my game still, so to work on that and improve it I think will be good.”

Q: Is there a particular facet you’ve been refining with your kicking – technique, decision making, executing on the run?

DA: “I think I used to be a very ‘get it quick on the boot’ type of player so it’s just being aware of the situation and I guess the decision making process of that. I think technique’s fine and whatnot, it’s just being able to take the right option at the right time and know what’s around me.”

Q: Are you looking to nail down that midfield role again this year?

DA: “Definitely. I’ve spoken to the coaches and maybe in a couple practice matches I’ll play different positions, which would be cool. But come game time, definitely in the midfield. I think I play my best footy there.”

Q: Do you watch a lot of footy?

DA: “Definitely. I used to only watch the Lions really, I’m a Lions supporter. But now with the talent that’s coming through like [Nick] Daicos and whatnot it’s really cool to see those guys go about it and they’ve obviously gone through similar pathways as well, so it’s cool to keep an eye on them and see how they’re going. It makes me want to watch footy even more, which I do now.”

Q: Is there anyone you look up to or try to mould your game on?

DA: “In the Lions midfield, I’ve been able to work with Hugh McCluggage through the preseason which has been really beneficial. I model my game off Lachie Neale. His clean hands and poise. Then to see the likes of Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft go about their training is also really good. I’ve learned heaps off them and will continue to model my game and habits off them.”

Q: What are some of the goals you’ve set for the year?

DA: “Obviously there’s the main goal at the end of the year to get drafted, but I’ve really just taken it heaps and to go about it day by day. I’m trying to find little things to get better every day and work with new people, ask questions just to get that one per cent better every day. I think that’s really important instead of forecasting ahead. I’m just looking to be really present in the moment.

Q: Are there any teammates you think we should look out for to have a big year?

DA: “Raphael Geesu, he’s a really exciting player to watch and he’s hard to defend. Also the likes of Ben Lillico and Harrison Bridge who have put together a really good preseason block, I’m sure that will set them up well for the year. Our big fella Isaac Waller, he’s exciting. He can get up, take a great mark, he’s physical, and his ruck craft is really good. I think we’ve got an exciting group and I can’t wait to see what we put out.”