Rising Aussie rules talent Shadeau Brain reflects on rise from Sunshine Coast to Brisbane Lions AFL side

One of the Brisbane Lions’ best rising talents has opened up on his debut season and contract extension as he battles to fight his way back into the premiership winning team.

Shadeau Brain of the Lions handles the ball during the round 22 AFL match between Brisbane Lions and Greater Western Sydney Giants at The Gabba, on August 10, 2024. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos.

One of Brisbane’s best rising stars is fighting to get his name back into selection contention as he continues to impress behind the scenes.

After making his AFL debut and going onto play nine regular season matches in 2024, Shadeau Brain is no stranger to staying patient.

As the 11th child of 13, the 21-year-old can relate his upbringing to his current situation at the Lions with a number of high profile names surrounding him in the locker room.

“It was great to get some games under my belt and I was able to reflect a little bit but my focus was more around what I can do to improve, play more consistently and I suppose break into that side again,” he said.

“I know I can do it now so it’s about getting back there and with such a successful team it’s probably a bit harder, but that’s what comes with it.”

Shadeau Brain of the Lions and Darcy Jones of the Giants in action. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Since joining the club on a Category B Rookie contract at the end of 2022, Brain has featured in 34 matches for the Lions VFL side.

Last month Brain and Sunshine Coast rising tall Ty Gallop, extended their contracts with the Lions until at least the end of 2027.

“Having such a good team and such good role models around you, I find it such a big privilege and quite surreal to get another contract with the reigning premiers,” he said.

“I think there’s a lot of lessons I can take out of it, continue to pick everyone’s brains because I’m surrounded by the best and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“Whether that’s playing VFL for the next year or two, I’m happy to do my time and develop because these high level players are making me become better.”

Brain began playing local senior footy with the Noosa Tigers when he was just 16-years-old, the same club where his father Greg is the current QAFL Colts head coach.

Shadeau Brain snapped as a 16-year-old at the Noosa Tigers. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Initially scouted as a 183cm forward, Brain has adapted his game moving to half-back flank and said his return from shoulder surgery in late 2024 had been going well.

“Coming back and seeing all of the boys so fit and hungry again was so good,” he said.

“You win a premiership and probably think that everyone could be a bit complacent or come back to pre-season just that little bit off but everyone came back fitter than ever.

“I think seeing that helped us young boys because we got to come back and drive the standards as well so it’s been unbelievable and our start has shown that so hopefully we can keep rolling with these wins.”

Originally published as Rising Aussie rules talent Shadeau Brain reflects on rise from Sunshine Coast to Brisbane Lions AFL side