HAVING made his state league debut last week, Brisbane Lions Academy star Daniel Annable backed up for game two on the weekend. The midfielder posted 19 disposals, four clearances, and 1.3 in the Lions’ comprehensive 85-point win over Greater Western Sydney at Brighton Homes Arena.

Having spent a block training with Brisbane’s senior group during preseason, Annable bases his game off two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale. He looms as another big win for the Lions in the way of club-tied talent, projecting as a top five selection in this year’s AFL Draft.

Annable represented the Allies last year and is an integral member of the 2025 squad, on top of being the National Academy skipper for two games earlier in the year. He has made his name as an ultra-consistent, reliable ball winner who runs hard and can impact going both ways.

We put his latest performance under the Player Focus microscope.

>> Preseason Q&A: Daniel Annable (Lions Academy)

Lions AcademyMidfielder

Daniel Annable

Height: 183cm

Weight: -

DOB: 05-04-2007

SEASON AVERAGES:

2025 Coates Talent League (3 games)
29.0 disposals, 4.3 marks, 6.0 tackles, 6.0 inside 50s

2025 AFL U18 National Championships (1 game)
28 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 2 clearances

STRENGTHS:
+ Clean hands
+ Consistency
+ Contested game
+ Running capacity
+ Work rate

PLAYER FOCUS

2025 VFL Round 12
Brisbane Lions 24.15 (159) def. GWS Giants 11.8 (74)

#63 Daniel Annable (Brisbane Lions)
Stats: 19 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal
9 contested possessions | 7 score involvements | 37% disposal efficiency

Centre bounce attendances:
Q1: 3/9 | Q2: 4/10 | Q3: 0/6 | Q4: 2/12 (9/37)

FIRST QUARTER:

Like many juniors in their first state league stints, Annable used the opening term as a feeling out process. He rotated into the game off the bench as Brisbane blooded a starting midfield featuring AFL-listed players Deven Robertson, James Tunstill, and Reece Torrent.

When the opportunity arose, Annable got stuck into the action by scrapping for a loose ball on the wing with repeat efforts to force a throw-in. He looked up for the fight without having too many clean looks at possession in what was a frantic, high-scoring start to the contest.

The youngster seemed most at home in the clinches, first drawing a free kick as he burrowed into a defensive 50 stoppage, and next hacking a shot at goal amidst a scramble inside the attacking arc. It missed, but started a theme of his touches leading to scores.

SECOND QUARTER:

With the Lions streaking at seven consecutive goals between the first and second quarter, Annable would be forgiven for thinking this VFL stuff is easy. He was given more opportunities at the centre bounces but tended to find his possessions on the outside or up forward.

Annable’s effort could hardly be faulted, applying great pressure inside 50 to smother before recovering the loose ball and looking to burst out of traffic. Still a boy amongst men, he was caught holding the ball in that instance but remained engaged in the contest.

Having little trouble getting his hands on the ball as usual, Annable sometimes suffered for a lack of leg speed and power. It resulted in scrappy ball use by foot, mainly down to execution – something he has been working on with former Hawks and Lions champion, Grant Birchall.

THIRD QUARTER:

The third quarter marked the beginning of the end for GWS, who never recovered after Marc Sheather was stretchered off the ground. Spending his time forward of centre, Annable was able to cash in on the Lions’ field tilt by again getting involved in scoring chains.

He booted his second minor score from a one-step shot which narrowly missed, and was later strong in the contest to get a handball out, keeping the play alive for Conor McKenna to score. He also found a happy knack for positioning perfectly front-and-centre to contests.

Annable’s A1 anticipation allowed him to stay involved in the action and showcase his clean ground level game. Things still came a little more difficult for him when opting to go by foot and he was often set upon when taking possession, but maintained his effort throughout.

FOURTH QUARTER:

Arguably Annable’s best moment through the middle came in term four, as he got on the move to rove a centre bounce one-handed and flick off a handball to Bruce Reville. His best moment overall, though, was his maiden goal as Brisbane again poured on the scoreboard pressure.

Annable’s major came amid a forward 50 scramble, where Oscar McInerney tapped the ball to space over his shoulder for Annable to snap up off the deck and snap through the big sticks. It proved ample reward for effort as the youngster had scrapped away to earn his possessions.

SUMMARY

Annable has proven up to the task of finding his feet at senior level, steadily adjusting to the speed and physicality of state league football. Taking the field alongside and against several AFL-listed players would have only made the learning experience all the more valuable, especially while running on-ball.

His work rate, contested ball winning and clean hands stood up to the task, but the only glaring concern will be how Annable can make his kicking a weapon. He is normally quite poised and can execute over short distances, but wavered in his execution with an uptake in pressure over the weekend.

A positive out of the game was Annable’s continual proven ability to impact as a forward. His running game and smarts allow him to position well at the fall of the ball, and he is no stranger to hitting the scoreboard. His consistently level of performance has him pegged as a top five talent, and rightly so.