Hungry, hungry Hipwood

THE despair of feeling helpless during the Brisbane Lions’ failed AFL finals campaign last year is a driving force for key position forward Eric Hipwood in his return to football.

Having missed 10 months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, Hipwood made his comeback in Brisbane’s 36-point win over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

He is now keen to make up for lost time in an in-form Lions side that has never been better placed to break a premiership drought dating back to 2003.

“I know what I’ve got to bring to the team and I know what’s expected,” the towering 24-year-old forward said.

“Missing finals, that sucked, and watching us lose two, that definitely sucked, and not being able to help out,” he said when asked what was the toughest part of being sidelined.

“It was good having Cam (Rayner, also injured last year) there to be able to lean on each other for some emotional (support).”

Rayner returned in round 1 this season and has recently hit his straps after easing his way back from a year out.