Memphis Dragons (formerly Houston Bombers)

[SilverLion]

 
Memphis Dragons

Welcome to the official page of the Memphis Dragons!

This is the official page of the Memphis Dragons (formerly Houston Bombers, relocated and rebranded ahead of the 2024 campaign). In this thread you will find all the latest news and updates regarding trading, injuries, delistings and all other important information.

Trophy Cabinet: 2013 George Washington Cup

Head Coach: SilverLion

Leadership Group:
Jack Sinclair (Captain), Chad Warner (Vice Captain), Patrick Dangerfield, Sam Taylor, Zac Bailey

[SilverLion]

The List

Defenders: 1. Jack Sinclair 2. Keidean Coleman 3. Sam Taylor 4. Darcy Wilmot 5. Jake Bowey 6. Tom Doedee 7. Ryan Burton 8. Jake Lever 9. Conor McKenna 10. Kallan Dawson 11. Jake Kolodjashnij 12. James O'Donnell 13. Jaxon Prior 14. Angus Hastie

Midfielders: 1. Chad Warner 2. Callum Mills 3. James Rowbottom 4. James Worpel 5. Jarrod Berry 6. Patrick Dangerfield 7. Colby McKercher 8. Tom Sparrow 9. Seb Ross 10. Brandon Ellis 11. Jaspa Fletcher 12. Harry Schoenberg 13. Matt Roberts 14. Luke Edwards

Rucks: 1. Matt Flynn 2. Bailey J. Williams (WC) 3. Ned Reeves 4. Lloyd Meek 5. Clay Tucker 6. Coen Livingstone (F)

Forwards: 1. Zac Bailey (M) 2. Nat Fyfe (M) 3. Jye Caldwell (M) 4. James Jordon (M) 5. James Harmes (M) 6. Pat Lipinski 7. Lachie Murphy 8. Deven Robertson (M) 9. Xavier O'Halloran 10. Eddie Ford 11. Jaidyn Stephenson 12. Bobby Hill 13. Liam Ryan 14. Bigoa Nyuon 15. Max Ramsden 16. Callum Jamieson 17. James Peatling 18. Logan Morris

Final Houston List:

Defenders: 1. Brandon Ellis (M) 2. Jacob Weitering 3. Sam Taylor 4. Jack Sinclair 5. Tom Doedee 6. Darcy Byrne-Jones 7. Hunter Clark 8. John Noble 9. Aidan Corr 10. Harry Edwards 11. Connor Idun 12. Mitch Hinge (M) 13. Lachie Young 14. Charlie Constable (M) 15. Keidean Coleman 16. Robbie Fox

Midfielders: 1. Ollie Wines 2. Jack Crisp 3. Brayden Fiorini 4. Zak Jones 5. Lachie Hunter 6. Dan Howe 7. Jeremy Sharp 8. Jarrod Berry 9. Neil Erasmus 10. Greg Clark 11. James Aish 12. Conor Nash 13. Finn Maginness 14. Elijah Hollands 15. Jhye Clark 16. Darcy Jones

Rucks: 1. Marc Pittonet 2. Tom De Koning 3. Bailey J. Williams (WC) 4. Alex Mirkov

Forwards: 1. Zac Bailey (M) 2. Isaac Heeney 3. Dan McStay 4. Sam Powell-Pepper 5. Kysaiah Pickett 6. Ryan Byrnes (M) 7. Riley Thilthorpe 8. Darcy MacPherson (D) 9. Brent Daniels 10. Shane McAdam 11. Liam Henry (M) 12. Sam Sturt 13. Maurice Rioli Jnr. 14. Blake Coleman 15. Kai Lohmann 16. Darcy Tucker (M) 17. Corey Warner (M) 18. Jack Hayes 19. Toby McMullin 20. Toby Bedford

[SilverLion]

Best XVIII:

Defence: Jack Sinclair (CC), Keidean Coleman, Sam Taylor, Darcy Wilmot

Midfield: Chad Warner (CC), Callum Mills (EVC), James Rowbottom, James Worpel, Jarrod Berry, Patrick Dangerfield

Ruck: Matt Flynn

Forwards: Zac Bailey, Nat Fyfe, Jye Caldwell, James Jordon

Utilities: Colby McKercher (M), James Harmes (M/F), Jake Bowey (D)

Emergencies: Tom Doedee (D), Tom Sparrow (M), Ned Reeves (R), Pat Lipinski (F - Sub)

[SilverLion]

Awards

2020:

Jay-Factory Medallist: Michael Walters

Coaches Award: Dan Butler

Rookie of the Year: Marc Pittonet




2021:

Jay-Factory Medallist: Ollie Wines

Coaches Award: Jacob Weitering

Rookie of the Year: Jeremy Sharp

[SilverLion]

Trade and Draft History

2019 End of Season Trade Period:

Trade 1:
Colorado Avalanche give: Jarrod Harbrow
Houston Bombers give: NAT #51 (on-traded to Wisconsin; Harrison Jones)

Trade 2:
Anaheim Mighty Ducks give: Darcy MacPherson
Houston Bombers give: Kade Simpson + Rookie Pick #14 (Malcolm Rosas)

Trade 3:
Las Vegas Sinners give: Zak Jones + Sam Powell-Pepper + NAT #57 (on-traded to Quito, then Colorado, then Wisconsin, then Anaheim; Jy Farrar)
Houston Bombers give: Dayne Beams + Will Hoskin-Elliott + Will Hayward + NAT #27 (Dylan Williams)

Trade 4:
Quito Quetzals give: Tom Phillips + NAT #12 (Liam Henry) + NAT #37 (Ryan Byrnes)
Houston Bombers give: Hugh Greenwood + NAT #15 (Brodie Kemp) + NAT #57 (on-traded to Colorado, then Wisconsin, then Anaheim; Jy Farrar)

Trade 5:
Anaheim Mighty Ducks give: NAT #25 (on-traded to Chicago; Fischer McAsey) + Rookie Pick #45 (on-traded to Wisconsin; Passed)
Houston Bombers give: Andrew Phillips + Rookie Pick #38 (Passed) + Rookie Pick #50 (Passed) + Rookie Pick #62 (Passed)

Trade 6:
Chicago Sharks give: Tom De Koning + NAT #18 (Jeremy Sharp) + Rookie Pick #17 (on-traded to Wisconsin; Passed)
Houston Bombers give: Jay Lockhart + NAT #25 (Fischer McAsey) + Rookie Pick #26 (Passed)

Trade 7:
San Francisco Grizzlies give: Ollie Wines
Houston Bombers give: Kane Lambert + Kyle Langford

Trade 8:
Colorado Avalanche give: NAT 38 (Keidean Coleman)
Houston Bombers give: NAT 39 (Sam Ramsay) + NAT 63 (on-traded to Anaheim; Lachlan Gollant)

Trade 9:
New Brooklyn Hawks give: Jarrod Berry + NAT #19 (Finn Maginness) + Rookie Pick #6 (John Noble)
Houston Bombers give: NAT #2 (Noah Anderson)

Trade 10:
Carolina Panthers give: Daniel McStay
Houston Bombers give: Adam Kennedy

Trade 11:
Wisconsin Cockerels give: NAT #23 (Kysaiah Kropinyeri-Pickett) + Rookie Pick #10 (Sam Frost)
Houston Bombers give: David Zaharakis + Rookie Pick #17 (Passed)

Trade 12:
Houston Bombers give: Andrew McPherson + Rookie Pick #45 (Passed)
Houston Bombers get: Mitch Hinge

Wisconsin Cockerels give: NAT #58 (Passed)
Wisconsin Cockerels get: NAT #62 (Passed) + Rookie Pick #45 (Passed)

Ottawa Otters give: Mitch Hinge
Ottawa Otters get: NAT #58 (Passed)

Quito Quetzals give: NAT #62 (Passed)
Quito Quetzals get: Andrew McPherson

Out: Kane Lambert Hugh Greenwood Dayne Beams Kade Simpson David Zaharakis Kyle Langford Will Hoskin-Elliott Andrew Phillips Jay Lockhart Will Hayward Adam Kennedy Andrew McPherson NAT #2 NAT #15 NAT #27 NAT #39 NAT #51 NAT #63 Rookie Pick #14 Rookie Pick #26 Rookie Pick #38 Rookie Pick #50 Rookie Pick #62

In: Ollie Wines Jarrod Berry Tom Phillips Zak Jones Darcy MacPherson Sam Powell-Pepper Jarrod Harbrow Daniel McStay Tom De Koning Mitch Hinge NAT #12 NAT #18 NAT #19 NAT #23 NAT #37 NAT #38 Rookie Pick #6 Rookie Pick #10

National Draft Picks: #12 - Liam Henry #18 - Jeremy Sharp #19 - Finn Maginness #23 - Kysaiah Kropinyeri-Pickett #37 - Ryan Byrnes #38 - Keidean Coleman

Rookie Draft Picks: #2 - Marc Pittonet #6 - John Noble #10 - Sam Frost Supp. - Alex Pearce

Retirements: Alex Rance

Delistings: Ryan Bastinac (AFL) Lachie Henderson (ASC) Jordan Houlahan (AFL) Nathan Hrovat (AFL) Harrison Wigg (AFL) Archie Smith (ASC) Ben Jarvis (ASC)

2019/20 Post-Drafts Trade Period:

Trade 1:
Wisconsin Cockerels give: Matt Taberner
Houston Bombers give: Zach Tuohy

2020 End of Season Trade Period:

Trade 1:
Colorado Avalanche give: Zac Bailey
Houston Bombers give: Tarryn Thomas

Trade 2:
San Francisco Grizzlies give: Rookie Pick #3 + Rookie Pick #27 (on-traded to Wisconsin; Pass)
Houston Bombers give: Jack Riewoldt + Cale Hooker + NAT #41 (Luke Edwards)

Trade 3:
Boston Terriers give: Michael Gibbons + Jack Sinclair + Jack Redden + NAT #21 (Blake Coleman)
Houston Bombers give: Rory Sloane + Mitch Robinson + NAT #29 (Brayden Cook) + Rookie Pick #28 (Lewis Melican)

Trade 4:
Wisconsin Cockerels give: Adam Saad + Darcy Tucker
Houston Bombers give: Michael Walters + Shane Edwards + Jack Ziebell

Trade 5:
Wisconsin Cockerels give: NAT #28 (on-traded to Chicago; Conor Stone) + Rookie Pick #12 (Connor Menadue)
Houston Bombers give: Marc Murphy + NAT #53 (Cameron Fleeton) + Rookie Pick #27 (Pass)

Trade 6:
Chicago Sharks give: Nakia Cockatoo + NAT #44 (Maurice Rioli Jnr.)
Houston Bombers give: NAT #28 (Conor Stone)

Trade 7:
New Brooklyn Hawks give: Tom Doedee
Houston Bombers give: Shai Bolton

Out: Michael Walters Shai Bolton Tarryn Thomas Rory Sloane Shane Edwards Mitch Robinson Marc Murphy Jack Ziebell Jack Riewoldt Cale Hooker NAT #29 NAT #41 NAT #53 Rookie Pick #28

In: Adam Saad Tom Doedee Zac Bailey Darcy Tucker Michael Gibbons Jack Sinclair Nakia Cockatoo Jack Redden NAT #21 NAT #44 Rookie Pick #3 Rookie Pick #12

National Draft Picks: #4 - Elijah Hollands #17 - Riley Thilthorpe #21 - Blake Coleman #44 - Maurice Rioli Jnr.

Rookie Draft Picks: #3 - Aidan Corr #4 - Shane McAdam #12 - Connor Menadue #16 - Lachlan Johnson #40 - Pass #52 - Pass

Retirements: Matthew Kreuzer

Delistings: Jamie MacMillan (AFL) Marley Williams (AFL) Brandon Matera (AFL) Rupert Wills (AFL) Jarrod Harbrow (ASC)

Free Agency Swap:
Acquired: Ryan Lester
Delisted: Liam Jones

2021 End of Season Trade Period:

Trade 1:
San Francisco Grizzlies give: Lachie Hunter + NAT #26 (Corey Warner) + NAT #30 (Greg Clark) + Rookie Pick #3 (Conor Nash)
Houston Bombers give: Adam Saad + NAT #19 (Campbell Chesser) + NAT #33 (Bodhi Uwland)

Trade 2:
Ottawa Otters give: Darcy Byrne-Jones + Brayden Fiorini
Houston Bombers give: Matt Taberner + Noah Balta + Sam Weideman

Trade 3:
Anaheim Might Ducks give: Rookie #5 (Harry Edwards)
Houston Bombers give: NAT #57 (Jackson Archer) + Rookie #6 (Charlie Dean) + Rookie #18 (Pass)

Out: Adam Saad Matt Taberner Noah Balta Sam Weideman NAT #19 NAT #33 NAT #57 Rookie Pick #6 Rookie Pick #18

In: Lachie Hunter Darcy Byrne-Jones Brayden Fiorini NAT #26 NAT #30 Rookie Pick #3 Rookie Pick #5

National Draft Picks: #6 - Neil Erasmus #26 - Corey Warner #30 - Greg Clark #45 - Kai Lohmann

Rookie Draft Picks: #3 - Conor Nash #5 - Harry Edwards #30 - Pass #42 - Pass

Retirements:

Delistings: Michael Gibbons (AFL) Connor Menadue (AFL) Lachlan Johnson (AFL) Sam Frost (ASC) Ryan Clarke (ASC)

Free Agency Swap:
Acquired: Nick Murray
Delisted: Alex Pearce

[SilverLion]

Team History

[SilverLion]

2019 Pre-Draft Trade Wrap

Departures
Kane Lambert (trd.), Hugh Greenwood (trd.), Alex Rance (ret.), Dayne Beams (trd.), Kade Simpson (trd.), David Zaharakis (trd.), Kyle Langford (trd.), Will Hoskin-Elliott (trd.), Andrew Phillips (trd.), Jay Lockhart (trd.), Will Hayward (trd.), Adam Kennedy (trd.), Andrew McPherson (trd.), Ryan Bastinac (del.), Lachie Henderson (del.), Jordan Houlahan (del.), Nathan Hrovat (del.), Harrison Wigg (del.), Archie Smith (del.), Ben Jarvis (del.)

It was a colossal trade period for Houston, unprecedented in its History, with a huge 19 players departing - over a third of the list. We would like to wish these players all the best in their future endeavours, in particular Kane Lambert, Hugh Greenwood, Alex Rance, Dayne Beams, Kade Simpson and David Zaharakis who all have been great contributors for Houston during their times here.

Arrivals
Ollie Wines, Jarrod Berry, Tom Phillips, Zak Jones, Darcy MacPherson, Sam Powell-Pepper, Jarrod Harbrow, Daniel McStay, Tom De Koning, Mitch Hinge

Houston welcome the arrival of 10 new players.









Coach SilverLion has given his comments on the new recruits:

O Wines: "Had a poor season by his standards, but too good a player not to bounce back. Has the potential to be a captain option for us."

J Berry: "Has already become a good player in his couple of years in the system, I have no doubt he will continue to improve and be worth the price we paid for him."

T Phillips: "Good mid that along with the aforementioned players, should solidify our mid stocks for a few years to come."

Z Jones: "Should go well at the Saints, has gradually improved over the last couple of years with increased mid time and I think his best is still ahead of him."

D MacPherson: "Had a career best season this year. Even with the Suns' inclusions, I'm backing him to continue to improve. Could be an asset for us as a forward/mid."

S Powell-Pepper "Has the potential to be a really good mid, but his attitude and off-field problems have been an issue at times. Hoping he can get himself right and become the player many feel he can."

J Harbrow: "I won him at an auction."

D McStay: "Good option for forward depth, but not much more."

T De Koning: "Was necessary to get him to compliment our existing ruck stocks. Could become a good player in time."

M Hinge: "Promoted to the Lions' senior list for next year, hoping that he'll continue to grow as a player."

[SilverLion]

2019 National Draft Selections

Houston would like to welcome the following players:

Pick #12:
Liam Henry
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 180cm
Weight: 86kg
DOB: 28/08/2001



AFL.com.au Journalist Cal Twomey: "Henry is a special talent. His standout game of the year came when the stakes were perhaps highest, in the title-decider of the under-18 championships. The West Australian starred in his side's gripping win over Vic Country that saw them take out the carnival, with Henry best afield. His field kicking, smarts with the ball, class around goal and fine touch were on show, but only for a little longer after that, having injured his knee late in the season."





Pick #18:
Jeremy Sharp
Position: Winger
Height: 189cm
Weight: 81kg
DOB: 13/08/2001



CT: "Sharp is a run and carry midfielder who can break the lines with his endurance base, speed and long kicking. He's a penetrating player who showed his athletic ability at the Combine, when he tested at 2.966 seconds in the 20-metre sprint and 6:12 minutes in the 2km time trial. Sharp is an outside midfielder who will bolt up and down the ground and appears best suited to a wing position."





Pick #19:
Finn Maginness
Position: Midfielder
Height: 189cm
Weight: 82kg
DOB: 23/02/2001



CT: "Maginness has the qualities that will step up at the next level. Can he run? Yep, he finished second in the 2km time trial at the Combine. Is he quick? Yep, he ran 2.96 seconds in the 20-metre sprint. Can he win the ball? Yep, of his average of 21 disposals in the NAB League, half were contested. He's big and strong and tall and has the athletic profile to match. Maginness will head to the Hawks as a father-son pick and couldn't have done much more in a strong campaign."




Pick #23:
Kysaiah Kropinyeri-Pickett
Position: Forward
Height: 171cm
Weight: 71kg
DOB: 02/06/2001



CT: "The small forward excites in a number of ways: he flies for speccies, he is clever at ground level, he's classy around goal and he likes the physical side of the game. Check out the video below of his bump from last year that went viral last week. The nephew of former North and Power star Byron is short and small but packs in plenty of power."





Pick #37:
Ryan Byrnes
Position: Forward
Height: 181cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 03/05/2001



Extract from Draft Profile: "You would be hard-pressed to find many more consistent Under-18 players in 2019 than Sandringham Dragons skipper, Ryan Byrnes. The competitive midfielder held his own in the star-studded Dragons midfield early on, before taking over to become the number one ball winner and earn a sole Vic Metro outing. He averaged 25.4 disposals across 15 NAB League outings after averaging a tick over 20 in his 12 bottom-age games, while also helping school side St Bede’s to its first ever Herald Sun Shield title. Importantly, he was the one to stand up across what was a disappointing finals series for Sandringham, not wavering from his usual output and displaying outstanding on-field leadership to cap off a great year."





Pick #38:
Keidean Coleman
Position: Half-Back/Midfielder
Height: 183cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 31/03/2000



Extract from Draft Profile: "One of the unlucky players not to be drafted last season under the Academy system, Coleman came back to be one of Brisbane’s best during the NEAFL and has put his name back up in lights. Possessing some nice speed and skills, Coleman takes the game on and will fit in well with Brisbane’s youthful side and attacking prowess. Having come from the NEAFL premiership-winning Lions side, Coleman will already feel at home, and while he does need to add more size to his frame â€" he is just the 75kg at present â€" he will always be a lighter body player because of his speed and athleticism moving around the ground. Last year he missed out on being drafted because he had to involve himself in the game for longer periods of time, which he did so early in the season and showed why he belonged at AFL level."

[SilverLion]

2019 Rookie Draft Selections

Pick #2:
Marc Pittonet





Pick #6:
John Noble





Pick #10:
Sam Frost

[SilverLion]

2020 Awards

Best & Fairest - Jay-Factory Medal:

In 2020 see the start of the inaugural Jay-Factory Medal (named in honour of the club's former coaches). The Jay-Factory Medal (or the JF medal for short) is awarded to club's best & fairest player over the season. Votes for the NV Medal are given under a 5-4-3-2-1 system for the highest 5 scoring players each round (bye rounds and Finals/Consolation Finals are excluded). In the event where two or players scores in a round tie, their votes will be halved/divided by 3 etc., for example 5-4-2.5-2.5-1 or 5-4-3-1-1-1, this is to ensure that the total amount of votes available per round remains the same. If two or more players tie on total votes at the conclusion of the count, they will be named joint JF medalists.

(Note: In 2020, average scores were used for players during their byes. If a player's average score was used and was in the top 5 highest scoring players for that round, they will still receive votes. These scores will be marked with an asterix for reference).

Without further ado, it's time to announce the votes!

Round 1 (Win, Away vs. Las Vegas Sinners):

Isaac Heeney (152) - 5
Rory Sloane (123) - 4
Zak Jones (113) - 3
Michael Walters (110) - 2
Powell-Pepper (105) - 1

Round 2 (Win, Away vs. San Francisco Grizzlies):

Michael Walters (148) - 5
Marc Pittonet (134) - 4
Zak Jones (127) - 3
Jack Crisp (108) - 2
Marc Murphy (107) - 1

Round 3 (Win, Home vs. Chicago Sharks):

Marc Pittonet (137) - 5
Jarrod Berry (127) - 4
Isaac Heeney (123) - 3
Jack Crisp (114) - 2
Brandon Ellis (111) - 1

Round 4 (Win, Away vs. Colorado Avalanche):

Jarrod Berry (150) - 5
Mitch Robinson (139) - 4
Shane Edwards (119) - 3
Dan Butler (118) - 2
Jack Crisp (115) - 1

Round 5 (Loss, Home vs. Wisconsin Cockerels):

Jarrod Berry (121) - 5
Dan Butler (95) - 4
Rory Sloane (93) - 3
Dan Butler (92) - 2
Marc Pittonet (83) - 1

Round 6 (Loss, Home vs. Ottawa Otters):

Michael Walters (107) - 4.5
Sam Powell-Pepper (107) - 4.5
Zak Jones (104) - 3
Jack Crisp (91) - 2
James Aish (89) - 1

Round 7 (Loss, Away vs. Anaheim Mighty Ducks):

Jack Crisp (107) - 5
Ollie Wines (104) - 4
Shai Bolton (102) - 3
Michael Walters (101) - 2
Tom Phillips (94) - 1

Round 8 (Loss, Home vs. Quito Quetzals):

Michael Walters (115) - 5
Hunter Clark (103) - 4
Ollie Wines (100) - 3
Jarrod Berry (97) - 1.5
Shai Bolton (97) - 1.5

Round 9 (Loss, Away vs. New Brooklyn Hawks):

Ollie Wines (143) - 5
Jarrod Berry (124) - 4
Zak Jones (123) - 3
Matt Taberner (103) - 2
Jack Crisp (99) - 1

Round 10 (Loss, Away vs. Carolina Panthers):

Dan Butler (116) - 5
Michael Walters (114*) - 4
Brandon Ellis (108) - 3
Hunter Clark (106) - 1.5
Shai Bolton (106) - 1.5

Round 11 (Loss, Home vs. Boston Terriers):

Ollie Wines (189) - 5
Jack Crisp (109) - 4
Marc Murphy (102) - 3
John Noble (89) - 1
Tom Phillips (89) - 1
Brandon Ellis (89) - 1

Wildcard Final (Loss, Home vs. Anaheim Mighty Ducks):

Hunter Clark (106) - 5
Zak Jones (103) - 3.5
Tom Phillips (103) - 3.5
Matt Taberner (97) - 2
James Aish (86) - 1

Total Votes:

Michael Walters - 24.5
Jarrod Berry - 19.5
Jack Crisp - 17
Ollie Wines - 17
Zak Jones - 15.5
Dan Butler - 11
Hunter Clark - 10.5
Marc Pittonet - 10
Isaac Heeney - 8
Rory Sloane - 7
Shai Bolton - 6
Tom Phillips - 5.5
Sam Powell-Pepper - 5.5
Brandon Ellis - 5
Mitch Robinson - 4
Marc Murphy - 4
Matt Taberner - 4
Shane Edwards - 3
James Aish - 2
John Noble - 1



JF Medallist 2020:



Congrats to Michael 'Sonny' Walters!

SL says: "In what was a tough year for Houston, Sonny was someone we were able to back in each week as our captain/co-captain, he was one of the top forwards in the comp yet again this year and a deserved JF Medallist."

2nd Place: Jarrod Berry

SL says: "We paid a high price to get Jarrod from New Brooklyn, and for the majority of the year he certainly exceeded our expectations. We're looking forward to seeing him continue to develop over the years to come."

=3rd Place: Jack Crisp

SL says: "The man they call starny was as solid as always down back. He let us down when given the captaincy duties in the wildcard final, but overall another good year for him."

=3rd Place: Ollie Wines

SL says: "Another man we paid a high price to get. Ollie found some good form through the middle of the season, and appears to be getting back to the level he was at a few years ago. He's become an important cog in our midfield."

5th Place: Zak Jones

SL says: "Snared from Las Vegas in a deal involving former Houston great Dayne Beams, Jones certainly exceeded expectations this year, and, like Ollie, has become an important part of our midfield."

[SilverLion]

2020 Awards

Coaches Award:

The Coaches Award is awarded by the coach to the player who they deem to have shown the most outstanding all-round qualities such as performance, exceeding start of year expectations and consistency.



BT: "DANGER DANGER DANGER, BUTLER BUTLER BUTLER!"

The Winner of the Coaches Award for Houston in 2020 is Dan Butler! Congrats Dan!

SL says: "Butler came from nowhere this year to be an important part of our forward line, averaging career highs in almost every stat he's established himself as a starting XVIII player.

Honourable mentions to Jarrod Berry, Zak Jones, Hunter Clark, Marc Pittonet, Matt "GOAT" Taberner, James Aish and John Noble for also exceeding start of year expectations."

[SilverLion]

2020 Awards

Rookie of the Year:

The Rookie of the Year award is awarded by the coach to who they deem to have had the biggest impact out of the players drafted during the previous year's national and rookie drafts. Additionally, anyone who is eligible for the NAB AFL Rising Star Award as well as any other player who has played less than 10 games prior to the current season is also eligible for this award, regardless of when they were drafted.



The Winner of the Rookie of the Year Award for Houston in 2020 is Marc Pittonet! Congrats Pitto!

SL says: "Snapped up with the 2nd pick in last year's rookie draft, Pitto shouldered the bulk of the ruck load this year, being our number 1 ruck for all but 2 rounds. He has shown promise throughout the year, and has the potential to be a great ruck going forward.

Honourable mentions to Kysaiah Kropinyeri-Pickett and John Noble for also having good seasons."

[SilverLion]

2020 Trade Wrap

Departures
Michael Walters (trd.), Shai Bolton (trd.), Tarryn Thomas (trd.), Rory Sloane (trd.), Shane Edwards (trd.), Mitch Robinson (trd.), Marc Murphy (trd.), Jack Ziebell (trd.), Jack Riewoldt (trd.), Cale Hooker (trd.), Matthew Kreuzer (ret.), Jamie MacMillan (del.), Marley Williams (del.), Brandon Matera (del.), Rupert Wills (del.), Jarrod Harbrow (del.)

In a busy trade period for Houston, 16 players departed. We wish these players well on their future endeavours, particularly club greats Walters, Sloane, Edwards, Robinson, Murphy, Ziebell, Hooker and Kreuzer, who have all been great contributors for Houston over the years. Sonny departs the club as the reigning BnF winner, and as true Houston royalty.

Arrivals
Adam Saad, Tom Doedee, Zac Bailey, Darcy Tucker, Michael Gibbons, Jack Sinclair, Nakia Cockatoo, Jack Redden

The Lions welcome the arrival of 8 new players!

















Coach SilverLion has given his comments on the new recruits:

A Saad: "Essentially swapped for Sonny, will provide a massive boost to our defence. Hopefully can take his game to another level at Carlton."

T Doedee: "Gun defender on the rise. Paid a big price to get him but along with Saad, solidifies our defence. Hopefully can stay injury free."

Z Bailey: "Had a breakout 2020. Should only get better and provides a great option for us up forward."

D Tucker: "Hopefully comes back from his injury and can get back to the form he was in early in the year, could be a starting mid for us."

M Gibbons: "One of my favourites. Should provide us with another good option up forward."

J Sinclair: "Solid midfielder who although may struggle to get games, provides depth for us in an area we were lacking."

N Cockatoo: "Hopefully he can get on the park for the Lions and potentially be an asset for us."

J Redden: "I needed some depth. Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh."

[SilverLion]

2020 National Draft Selections

Houston would like to welcome the following players:

Pick #4:
Elijah Hollands
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 189cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 25/04/2002



AFL.com.au Journalist Cal Twomey: "Beautiful natural mover with strong, clean hands and elite kicking skills either foot. An All-Australian at Under 16s level in 2018 he stepped up to play all four matches with the Victorian Country Under 18s team last year averaging 13.5 disposals and four marks confirming his AFL potential. Starred in two representative games at Under-17s level, firstly versus New Zealand at Marvel Stadium and then for Team Brown at the MCG on 2019 AFL Grand Final day, where he gathered 24 disposals in each game with five goals overall. Awarded the Cameron Ling Medal for the NAB AFL Academy’s most professional bottom-aged prospect. Unfortunately injured his ACL in preseason training early this year but is on the road to a full recovery and putting that disappointment behind him. Father Ben played eight games for Richmond before becoming a star for West Adelaide in the SANFL."





Pick #17:
Riley Thilthorpe
Position: Ruck/forward
Height: 201cm
Weight: 100kg
DOB: 07/07/2002



CT: "Highly promising tall forward/ruckman who has already played 15 games at senior level for West Adelaide over the last two years after missing last year’s NAB AFL Under-18 National Championships due to injury. Star at Under-16 level in Championships in 2018 for South Australia winning All Australian honours and last year prominent in NAB AFL Futures match on AFL Grand Final day with his overhead marking, agility and repeat efforts all part of his arsenal. Shows some of the traits of Richmond’s Tom Lynch with his presence as a marking target up forward."




Pick #21:
Blake Coleman
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 180cm
Weight: 79kg
DOB: 06/08/2002



CT: "Elite level speed and goal sense. Very dangerous overhead for his size demonstrated by his mark of the day in the QAFL Grand Final playing in the winning team for Morningside. Prominent for the Lions Academy in five matches in the NAB League in 2019 averaging 10.2 disposals as a bottom ager with his best performance kicking four goals vs the Eastern Ranges. Caught the eye with his speed and agility for Team Brown in Futures match on MCG AFL Grand Final day and is the brother of Lions promising first-year player Keidean. Eligible for Brisbane Lions in 2020 NAB AFL Draft being a member of their Club Academy."




Pick #44:
Maurice Rioli Jnr.
Position: Forward
Height: 179cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 09/01/2002



CT: "First came on the radar when he represented Northern Territory at Under 16 level in 2017 and 2018 and then in the NAB League last year as a bottom ager. Really looked to be taking giant strides forward when he began starring for St Marys in the NTFL early this year before returning to Scotch College in Melbourne and training with the Oakleigh Chargers preparing for 2020. Being the son of Richmond and South Fremantle great Maurice Rioli senior, he is eligible for the Tigers and Dockers under the AFL’s father/son rules. Due to complete his Draft Combine testing in Darwin over the next week and likely to be the next Rioli to join AFL ranks."

[SilverLion]

2020 Rookie Draft Selections

Houston would like to welcome the following players:

Pick #3:
Aidan Corr






Pick #4:
Shane McAdam






Pick #12:
Connor Menadue






Pick #16:
Lachlan Johnson