New Brisbane recruit Jack Gunston says Lions fans should be excited to see the continued development of young forwards Zac Bailey and Eric Hipwood this season.
The three-time premiership player spoke about how he is particularly excited to share the forward line with “x-factor” Bailey.
“I think Zac Bailey is a kid that just loves playing footy,” Gunston told SENQ Breakfast.
“He’s got a lot of talent; I don’t know if he knows how much talent he’s got. But he’s got a lot of talent and a lot of x-factor about him.”
Bailey recently signed a contract extension until the end of 2026 after a career best season in 2022, finishing the year with 37 goals.
Former Hawk Gunston also shared his admiration for his key forward counterpart in Hipwood, who he labelled a “raw and young talent”.
25-year-old Hipwood has battled injuries over the past few years and hasn’t kicked more than 26 goals in a season since 2019. But Gunston says that Hipwood is a deep thinker of the game and hopes to see a “big breakout year” from the Lions key forward.
“I’ve sort've watched Eric Hipwood from afar,” Gunston said.
“It’s not hard to be faster than me, but he’s very quick for his size. He’s quite a tough match up and he’s pretty good below his feet.”
“He thinks about his opponent and there’s a lot more prep work than it probably looks from the outside. He’s one that I think can really have another big year and he’ll keep developing.”
The Lions have a tough start to the season as they face the Power, Demons, Dogs and Magpies all within the first four rounds of the year.