Defender to make long-awaited Lions debut in AFL

The Brisbane Lions have confirmed defender Tom Doedee is set to play his first AFL game for the Club against the Sydney Swans on Saturday afternoon.

The Brisbane Lions have confirmed defender Tom Doedee is set to play his first AFL game for the Club against the Sydney Swans on Saturday afternoon.

Doedee, who played 82 games for the Adelaide Crows after being selected with Pick 17 in the 2015 national draft, comes into the team to replace Ryan Lester (concussion).

The 28-year-old defender has not played at AFL level since Round 8 of the 2023 season due to suffering two ACL injuries.

Doedee has shown an incredible level of resilience and determination to be once again playing at the top level.

Young forward Will McLachlan also comes into the Lions team with a spot made available due to Co-Captain Lachie Neale being out with a quad injury,

McLachlan is set to start on the interchange along with Levi Ashcroft, Sam Marshall, Henry Smith and Bruce Reville.

The Lions have listed Deven Robertson, Luke Beecken and Darragh Joyce as their three emergencies.

Saturday’s match is scheduled to start at 4:15pm and will be broadcast live on Fox Footy, Kayo and into Queensland on Seven.