Potential top five draft pick Daniel Annable is one of the hardest workers you’ll find.
Whether it’s on the training track or in the gym, Annable has left no stone unturned as he strives towards an AFL career.
When Annable’s name is read out on draft night — potentially within the first seven picks — it’ll be another tick to the Lions’ Academy program, which has produced some serious talent in recent years.
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In last year’s Brisbane premiership side alone, there were five Academy products: Harris Andrews, Jaspa Fletcher, Ty Gallop, Sam Marshalll and Bruce Reville.
Another three — Keidean Coleman, Jack Payne and Eric Hipwood probably would have been in that side if not for injuries. Then there’s a host of others who are at rival clubs including Hawthorn forward Mabior Chol, Port Adelaide defender Aliir Aliir and Adelaide forward Ben Keays.
Annable is the next product on the conveyor belt and he’s ready to head down the same path those previously have blazed before him.
But not only has the Academy produced AFL-listed players, it’s produced AFL premiership players.
“They’ve shown the way of how to get into a premiership team. It was pretty cool to see those guys get to work. They’ve paved the way, hopefully I’ll be able to follow,” Annable told foxfooty.com.au.
Daniel Annable of the AFL National Academy. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Annable believes the Brisbane Academy has played an integral role in his development as both a person and player.
“It’s been very important. I’ve been there since I was 12 and they’ve given me heaps of resources, opportunities and facilities to help me become the player I am now,” he said.
“I’m forever grateful for the coaches that have helped and continue to do that, they’ve been huge for my development… the Academy has definitely fast tracked my development and I’ve learned heaps.”
Unlike some draft prospects who will start 2026 at ground zero, Annable has already spent time training and learning from some of Brisbane’s biggest superstars.
Annable already has a close relationship with Fletcher off-field, while he’s been fortunate enough to watch and analyse vision alongside the likes of Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley this year, too.
“You learn a lot. You’re in touch with AFL players and can do vision with them. They check in and give you guidance, the coaches and facilities are unreal too,” he said.
“They’ve got a wealth of knowledge, to be able to pick their brain and see what they see from their experiences is amazing.”
Annable has made the most of that opportunity, just like he did when he received the call up to play for Brisbane’s VFL side earlier this season.
Not only did Annable prove he could match it with the bigger bodies in the engine room, but he also showed he is more than capable as a winger or half-forward.
Annable averaged 21.3 disposals, 3.6 tackles and 2.3 marks across eight matches.
Daniel Annableand Taj Stanley of the Allies celebrate victory. Picture: Jenny Evans/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“You get to play the level below AFL and with AFL-listed players, it was a great experience. I learned heaps and performed well, so I was happy how that went,” he said.
“I’ve played a lot of senior footy the past two years prior, so I felt like I was able to compete with the bigger bodies. The coaches put a lot of trust and faith in me to let me play midfielder where I’m pretty comfortable.
“I think with my work rate, the high forward role or wing role will be well suited to me. Levi (Ashcroft) did it this season, so hopefully if my chance comes I can take it with both hands.”
Annable’s output this season has hardly been surprising given his work ethic, which he says stems from his father, Dean.
“I’ve always been a hard-working person, I love seeing the rewards of what it can do for you. Probably comes from my dad, he does a lot of work for our family and in his job as well,” he said.
Dean Annable used to work a FIFO job when Daniel was growing up and now delivers materials to construction sites. It’s pretty clear that his willingness to work hard has translated into Daniel’s life.
Daniel Annable during the Telstra AFL Draft Combine Headshots Session. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
As one draft class graduate, the footy world’s focus quickly turns to the next. Annable has always been one of the most highly rated of this current crop.
In the ever growing world of social media, it’s hard to escape draft power rankings and analysis and with that comes expectation, both internally and externally. Annable never let any of that get to him this year.
“It’s pretty cool to have that expectation. You always want to be rated amongst the best, so it’s pretty cool,” he said.
“I knew I had a lot of work to do throughout the year to maintain that or be better than that. My family helps me with that, come back to ground level, coaches, you just continue to do what you’ve been doing.
“Not much changes, you’ve just got to have the right support system behind you.”
Annable has grasped every opportunity that has come his way in 2025 at every single level.
Daniel Annable of the AFL National Academy and Lachlan Wilson of the Tigers after being presented best on ground medals. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
He was a crucial cog in the Allies’ National Championships campaign, where he averaged 24.8 disposals, 4.3 clearances and 3.8 tackles per game to earn an All-Australian nod. He was also a strong performer for the AFL Academy and last year dominated on the MCG as a part of the under 17 Futures match.
“It was unreal. Playing on the ‘G on Grand Final day is a pretty rare thing and it’s something I’ll cherish forever… then to pull on the Australian jumper was unreal too,” he said.
Annable’s consistency has been a highlight of his campaign, but so too has his desire to improve with every new day.
“I was happy overall (with the National Championships). I think my first two games were fairly good, I got a little bit fatigued in the last two games, legs were a bit heavy and I probably needed a week off. I got it after and felt refreshed,” he began.
“We had a good Allies group and had good connections off the field. We probably didn’t have the performances we wanted on the field, but definitely enjoyed it and had a lot of fun.”
Annable rarely, if ever, plays a bad game.
The secret to his consistency? Being the hardest worker in the room.
Daniel Annable at the draft combine. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“A lot of it is done before game day. A lot of it is done with the review, making sure you’re still learning so you don’t plateau and getting to work on your craft. Making sure you’re prepared and have ticked all the boxes throughout the week so you’re confident in yourself that you can perform gameday,” he said.
“That’s something I pride myself on, being consistent and reliable.
“I’m self-driven, I just want to get better and get to work. It comes pretty naturally… I don’t really need other people to tell me what to do.”
But Annable isn’t just determined to be the best player he can be. He’s determined to make those around him better as well.
“I think leadership comes more naturally for me. I think I’m fairly good at creating connections with people off the field and using those connections to get comfortable using them on field. I think I have a good understanding of the game and can see what’s happening,” he said.
When you watch Annable play, you can often hear him from the sidelines directing teammates and setting up around stoppages. He’s also one who always leads from the front with his actions.
“Connections off the field are really important and knowing the game plan and being able to direct guys, but you’ve got to action that as well. Put your head over it when it’s time,” he said.
When Annable’s name is read out on November 19, what sort of player are the Lions getting? Yet another superstar midfielder.
Daniel Annable of Team Heppell. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
They’ve already got dual Brownlow Medalist Lachie Neale, midfield beast Josh Dunkley and the smooth-moving Hugh McCluggage. Then there’s the Ashcroft brothers, Will and Levi, who are two of the most promising youngsters in the competition. Throw in the likes of Zac Bailey, Cam Rayner, Sam Marshall and Jarrod Berry and Chris Fagan’s midfield is absolutely stacked.
“I’m really clean, one touch with the footy around contest and stoppage. I’m composed, can use it well by hand. I can win it on the inside and get it out to the runners but also get it on the outside and be damaging going inside 50,” Annable said.
“I love watching Lachie Neale and Will Ashcroft’s clean hands and Nick Daicos’ kick. I take bits and pieces from everyone and try to put that into my game.”
There’s less than a month now until Annable’s AFL dream will be realised.
“Ever since I joined footy, I have loved it. It was always a dream to become an AFL player,” he said.
“It would be a dream come true. It’s hopefully a really good night for my family and friends, hopefully I can bring them along and continue the journey with them. It’s something I’d be really proud of.”