Fullarton eager to push on with Lions in 2020

“All 47 players are a really good bunch of blokes and we won every game of the NEAFL competition this year which was a good experience.”

FOCUSED: Tom Fullarton. Picture: Tarrant Yelds

AFL: Brisbane Lions squad member Tom Fullarton already has his sights set on 2020 after making a successful switch from elite basketball.

The 200cm, 20-year-old from the Caloundra Panthers said he went into the transition to the Lions with an open mind and the move has been a lot smoother than he thought.

“It took a bit of adjusting to adapt my body to the different conditions, but I’m probably further ahead at the moment than what I thought I’d be,” he said.

“All 47 players are a really good bunch of blokes and we won every game of the NEAFL competition this year which was a good experience.”

Fullarton was a key member in the Lions NEAFL squad, the second-tier league for reserve sides.

“There’s still a lot of hard work to go and the main goal is to win an AFL Premiership so everyone’s just striving towards that,” he said

The Sunshine Coast junior played in the forward line this season, kicking 21 goals, while also having restricted minutes at ruckman.

After playing eight games across two seasons in the NBL, the former Brisbane Bullets shooting guard was signed to the Lions on a Category B contract last year.

NEAFL head coach Mitch Hahn said Fullarton’s work ethic and understanding were reasons for his success this year.

“His attention to detail, his work ethic and want to improve, you can tell that he’s come from another elite organisation and understands what it takes to become a professional athlete,” Hahn said.

“The way that he watches his film, the way that he wants to improve, the way that he breaks down skills and wants to learn about the game certainly played a huge part in the way that he improved this year.”

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