Sam Michael will debut for Brisbane against Carlton tomorrow night.
Queenslander Sam Michael has been named to make his debut for the Brisbane Lions against Carlton on Saturday.
Starting the year on the rookie list, Michael was elevated on to the Lions’ senior list, replacing Claye Beams, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury earlier this year.
The 19 year-old has starred in the NEAFL for the Lions reserves, and was recently awarded the Zane Taylor Medal as the best player for the NEAFL Northern side in the state league match against the SANFL.
Michael was member of the Lions reserves premiership side in 2012, and picked up the Andrew Ireland Medal as best on ground in the NEAFL cross-conference grand final.
Born in Brisbane, Michael moved to Cairns at six months, and grew up playing footy for the Cairns Hawks.
The big man made an impression straight away for Redland when he arrived in 2010, playing a key role in Queensland’s under-18 side in that year and being selected for the AIS/AFL Academy squad.
After a strong representative campaign, Michael was selected by the Lions with a Queensland priority selection in the 2011 Rookie Draft.
He caught the eyes of Lions fans with his form in the 2013 NAB Cup, and has been working hard to improve in his time at the club.
The 199cm key position player should help provide another tall option for Brisbane can play forward or back and with strong athleticism for someone of his size, the youngster could also potentially play as a back-up ruckman.
Michael will wear #46 for the Lions against the Blues tomorrow.
