Bailey’s beaming with the pride of new Lion
BRISBANE draftee Zac Bailey hardly slept on Friday night.
“I was too excited, but it was good to get it done. I got a fair few messages from everyone at Brisbane,” the 18-year-old said after being taken at No.15 in the AFL National Draft.
A big-bodied midfielder with a burst of power and speed, the Southern Districts product was picked by the Lions with a view to playing him in a small forward role.
“I had a fair idea of where I fitted but when they called my name at 15 I was still very surprised,” Bailey said.
“I spoke to all the clubs over the course of the year. Over the last couple of weeks, Brisbane were one of the ones that were in contact with me.”
Bailey has spent the last two years in Adelaide boarding at Prince Alfred College and playing for SANFL club Norwood.
Having already made a move down south, the transition to Queensland won’t be too tricky for the Territorian.
“Moving to Adelaide and boarding there, it will help me. (Brisbane is) a similar idea and I think it will help,” Bailey said.
It was a stunning performance at the National Under-18 Championships, playing for the Allies, where Bailey took All Australian honours and raised the eyebrows of recruiters.
AFLNT high performance manager Wally Gallio said Bailey’s pace from a contest was his greatest asset.
“What he’s going to give is that midfield explosiveness,” Gallio said.
“He uses the ball very well, he’s got good lateral movement as well with his initial speed.”
Lions recruiting manager Steve Conole said the club was thrilled to acquire Bailey’s services.
“He’s got genuine pace. His ability to get in and out of traffic is elite. I’m sure he’ll become a solid midfielder in AFL,” Conole said.