Live stream: Brisbane Lions Academy guns Liam Hude, Jaspa Fletcher thrive (NAB League )

The Brisbane Lions Academy are testing themselves against the country’s best underage footballers in the NAB League this season Here is who has impressed so far.

The Brisbane Lions Academy is proving they’re a force to be reckoned with in the NAB League Boys competition.

The Lions are taking part in the first four rounds of the elite underage competition giving them the opportunity to play against Victoria and Tasmania’s elite talents.

Co-captain Liam Hude is already one player making the most of his opportunities at the level after recording 13 disposals and three goals in the round one loss to the Western Jets.

This week, they’ll face off against the Western Jets with the game set to be live streamed thanks to a partnership between the AFL and News Corp.

WATCH THE LIONS TAKE ON THE STINGRAYS ON SUNDAY HERE

Academy head of development Zane Littlejohn said a strong pre-season had allowed Hude to thrive.

“Compared to where he was 12 months ago, Liam has put himself in an outstanding position to get the best out of himself,” he said.

“I remember he played a trial game for us then went off and played basketball that same day. He’s a workhorse.

“He plays as a medium forward or third tall and has a fantastic ability around goal.

“We’re also seeing him spend a little bit of time in the middle of the ground.”

Liam Hude made an impressive start to the NAB League season. Photo: AFL Photos.

Jaspa Fletcher, who is a Lions’ father-son prospect in this year’s AFL Draft, is also being touted as a player to watch throughout the next three games.

His father Adrian played 107 games between the Bears and Lions during a 237-game AFL career.

Jaspa trained with the Lions throughout pre-season alongside Will Ashcroft, the son of Marcus.

He started the season with 19 touches and two goals against the Jets.

“Jaspa is really starting to find his feet and we’re excited about his development,” Littlejohn said.

“Like so many others, having the chance to play some NAB League games is going to give him a lot of confidence if he can continue to perform.”

Former Brisbane player Adrian Fletcher alongside son Jaspa Fletcher, who is part of the Lions Academy. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Among the Lions key position stocks is Bradley McDonald, a 16-year-old from Maroochydore.

He has been transformed into a key defender this year having previously been a ruckman during his junior career.

“Bradley played centre half back last week and was really impressive,” Littlejohn said.

“He was able to take a few intercept marks which helped us to set up our counter attacks.”

This week the Lions will face the Stingrays in their second of four games.

And Littlejohn said he hopes to see the program extended in the coming years.

“It would be fantastic if it became a full-time thing,” he said.

“A lot of the kids‘ growth will come from playing in these types of games and it gives them better exposure.

“After the last two years with Covid having such an impact it’s fantastic they’ve been given these opportunities.”