Ely Smith Brisbane Lions AFL Club

Ely Smith was the Lions first pick at the 2018 NAB AFL Draft and was surprised to be.

He had to rush home from holidays overseas with his family to ensure he would be in the room on draft night to receive his first jumper from Jonathan Brown. Smith is a big-bodied midfielder who played for the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup. He spent his first year at the Lions playing in the undefeated NEAFL side where he displayed strong ball-winning ability.