BRISBANE Lions Academy defender Harrison Bridge is one of the many Queensland prospects set to filter into the star-studded Allies squad this year. Having already had a small preseason camp with the representative outfit, the crafty playmaker has set clear goals heading into his top-age campaign.

We spoke to Bridge at the Queensland preseason testing event on Sunday.

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PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Harrison, what are some of your earliest footballing memories?

HB: I grew up in Melbourne and lived in Wyndham Vale, so my earliest memories were playing football for Wyndham Vale Football Club. Watching dad play footy really just brought me into the culture and made me love the game.

Q: When did you move up to Brisbane?

HB: We moved up in 2017. It was because Mum was originally from Queensland, so we moved back up here.

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

HB: Since 2020, so five years now.

Q: Who have been some of your main footballing mentors?

HB: The main one would be my Dad, footy-wise. But then just as a person, my Pop and my Mum have really made me who I am.

Q: How has your preseason been – you’re pretty fit and firing, ready to go?

HB: It’s been amazing. I put on a bit of weight, a bit of size so ready to go. Can’t wait.

Q: Were you with the Allies camp as well?

HB: I was, that was a very good experience. Meeting new people and understanding where I want to be at the end of this year really.

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Q: How would you describe yourself as a player? 

HB: Efficient and clean are probably the two ways I’d describe myself. A good ball user and smart with the way I play. 

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

HB: Contested ball is probably my main one, and contested marking as well.

Q: Are you still expecting to play across the half-back line?

HB: Mainly across half-back and a little bit of the wing. They might throw me around the half-forward and maybe a bit inside as well depending on the game situation.

Q: Which teammates do you think we should look out for to have a big year?

HB: I think it’s hard to go past Dan Annable. He’s training the house down. I think everyone knows who he is and what he can bring, but he’s going to have a big year.

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Q: Which AFL club do you support?

HB: Carlton Football Club.

Q: Are there any players you try to mould your game on?

HB: I’ve been told to watch a bit of Darcy Wilmot because I probably resemble him a little bit. But if I was to watch Carlton it’d probably be Nic Newman and Adam Saad.

Q: What are some of your goals for the year?

HB: The main goal is to play as many Academy games as I can, hopefully all of them. Then get picked for the Allies and hopefully have a good series and play a little bit of VFL in the end. Then hopefully get [invited to] the state or national combine.