Eric Hipwood

Eric Hipwood (born 13 September 1997) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Hipwood was born in Melbourne's inner suburb of St Kilda. His parents were passionate St Kilda Saints fans who had married in the stands of Moorabbin Oval prior to his birth. His grandfather, Ken, was instrumental in establishing the Aspley Football Club in Brisbane's northern suburbs and his father, Brad, was a former senior player for Aspley. His grandparents are also life members of the Aspley Football Club. At the age of three, Eric moved to the Sunshine Coast with his family and began playing junior football for Kawana Park at the age of eight. At 13 years of age he was placed in the Brisbane Lions developmental academy and switched allegiances to the Caloundra Australian Football Club. Two years later, at the age of 15, he played his first QFA senior match for Caloundra in their away clash against Aspley and kicked three goals on debut. In his final year of junior football he switched clubs again and played for Aspley in the North East Australian Football League (NEAFL). Hipwood was selected to represent Queensland at the 2015 AFL Under 18 Championships and was named in the All Australian team for his performances. He was then invited to attend the AFL Draft Combine in November 2015.

Hipwood was also a very talented cricketer in his younger years and accepted an invitation to join the cricket sports excellence program at Maroochydore State High School in Year 10.

Hipwood was drafted by the Brisbane Lions with their second selection and fourteenth overall in the 2015 national draft as an academy selection after Brisbane matched Richmond's bid on him. He made his AFL debut in the forty-nine point loss against West Coast at the Gabba in round 13 of the 2016 season. After the thirty-two point loss against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium in round five of the 2017 season, in which he recorded twelve disposals, five marks, four tackles and three goals, he was the round nominee for the AFL Rising Star.

2018

Hipwood played all 22 matches of the 2018 season. With 37 goals, he was Brisbane's leading goalkicker for the year. In round 16, Hipwood kicked 6 goals in Brisbane's win against Carlton. Hipwood received three Brownlow Medal votes in both this game and the round 9 win against Hawthorn.

2019

2019 saw Hipwood play 23 games including finals with 35 goals kicked for the year. He signed a contract extension, keeping him at Brisbane until at least the end of 2023.

Statistics are correct to the end of Round 17, 2018.