Region's Rising Star nominee rated a fearless competitor

CALOUNDRA club is 'very proud' of youngster, who is making an impression for Brisbane Lions.

IMPRESSIVE: Eric Hipwood for the Lions, against the Bulldogs, at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne on Saturday. Picture: JULIAN SMITH

AUSTRALIAN RULES: If Eric Hipwood wasn't already raising eyebrows on the sport's biggest stage, he is now.

The 19-year-old's emergence in the sport was made official on Wednesday, when he was recognised as an NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

He was essentially adjudged the best young player in the competition for round five, when he booted a trio of goals in a 32-point loss to Western Bulldogs at Melbourne.

A Caloundra Panthers product, Hipwood played a selection of games for the Lions last year and continues to develop into an important player for the club this season.

Panthers president Russell Evans said the key forward was a fearless competitor, despite a relatively wiry 200cm, 83kg frame.

"He demonstrated that even when he was with us, as a 16-year-old playing against some of the bigger clubs.

"He's always launched himself at the ball. He's never had any fear in terms of his capacity to go at it."

The determined youngster told AFL.com.au he is driven to win games.

"I just can't stand losing, I hate it."

"I take it back to when I was a kid, it could be anything, riding your bike, who was quicker. I hate losing."

Hipwood has kicked 20 goals in 15 matches and Evans expected him to get better.

"He's showing the capability that he's going to be there in future years as his body gets stronger and how they work out how best to play him because he's so athletic.

"The club's very proud of the way he's going."