Eric Hipwood intent on making up for lost time and finals agony in his AFL return

Watching the Lions crash out of last season’s AFL finals hasn’t been forgotten by returning Brisbane forward Eric Hipwood.

Lions forward Eric Hipwood (left) battles Adelaide’s Chayce Jones in Brisbane’s 36-point weekend win. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

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

Having missed 10 months of action after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament is his knee, Hipwood made his long-awaited comeback in Brisbane’s 36-pont weekend win over the Crows at Adelaide Oval.

An eager Hipwood is 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.

Hipwood had a similar idea of what he would have been able to contribute last season if not for his serious knee injury that left him frustrated and watching from the stands along with fellow ACL casualty Cam Rayner as the Lions’ finals campaign ended with successive losses to Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.

“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 there to be able to lean on each other for some emotional (support).”

Eric Hipwood takes a mark during his return to the AFL after 10 months out. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

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

Hipwood would not put a timeframe on when Lions fans could expect to see him at his best but admitted good form would be needed to keep his place in Brisbane’s 22 when fellow tall forwards Joe Daniher (shoulder) and Dan McStay (ankle) returned from injury.

“I’m glad I’m not selecting the team,” he said.

“It’s going to be competitive for spots, and you need that as a top-four team.

“You need some other boys pushing you to get better. It creates a competitive environment, and we all thrive in that.

“It’s going to be good when everyone’s fit, but again, injuries happen all the time, so you never know.”

The second-placed Lions are hunting for a sixth successive win on Sunday against Hawthorn in Launceston.

Despite sitting 11 spots higher than the Hawks on the ladder, the Lions expect a tough afternoon, with last season’s 12-point loss to the same opponent at the same venue still fresh in their minds.

“They beat us pretty comfortably that last time we were down there,” Hipwood said.

“The competition is so close and it’s so even. There are no easy wins, and you’ve got to rock up to play every week.”

Originally published as Eric Hipwood intent on making up for lost time and finals agony in his AFL return