Noosa footy star Shadeau Brain drafted by Brisbane Lions for AFL

Backyard footy with 12 sporty and competitive siblings helped this Sunshine Coast teenager land a professional Aussie rules contract with the Brisbane Lions.

Shadeau Brain celebrates a goal during the Allies' NAB AFL Under-18 Championships clash against Vic Metro on June 25, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

Dreams of a professional AFL career while playing backyard footy with his 12 siblings are coming true for Noosa Tigers’ Shadeau Brain who has been drafted by the Brisbane Lions.

The 18-year-old was selected by the Lions as a Category B Rookie from the Queensland Zone as part of the 2022 draft.

Brain, who is one of 13 siblings, said backyard footy was a driving force behind his competitive drive.

“It’s a massive dream to make it to this level and to get this opportunity so I’m pretty stoked,” he said.

“I’m the 11th in line so plenty of older brothers which meant any sport in the backyard was always pretty competitive obviously.

“Everyone wanted bragging rights so there was never a dull moment.

“All my brothers played footy and then all my sisters played netball so a very sporty family.”

The Brain family pictured in 2010. Michelle Brain and Greg Brain and their thirteen children (front left clockwise) Carrissa Brain 25, James Brain 19, Jasper Brain 9, Jed Brain 13, Brendan Brain 24, Zac Brain 15, Brittany Brain 18, Wynta Brain 8y, Shadeau Brain 5, Joc Brain 4 and Whispa Brain 20 months.

After growing up in Noosa, with the family attending Tewantin State School and Sunshine Beach State High School, parents Michelle and Greg relocated to Finley, New South Wales.

Brain attended Finley High School before returning to the Sunshine Coast as a 16-year-old where he began playing senior footy with the Noosa Tigers.

Best name in the comp. Welcome to the Den, Shadeau 🦁

📰 https://t.co/PHufKOXCB8pic.twitter.com/uKkI0AHVP9

— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) November 30, 2022

Despite facing some challenges with injury in 2022, Brain, a 185-centimetre forward, said he was eager for the coming months.

“I think just getting to a club and getting stuck in is what I’m looking forward to the most,” he said.

“To be able to do it all full time is something I think I’ll really thrive off.”

The Sunshine Coast and Gympie prodigy will follow in the footsteps of some of the region’s former stars such as Tom Fullarton, Jack Payne, Eric Hipwood, Carter Michael and Charlie Bowes.

“I was lucky enough to meet most of the players and the Sunshine Coast boys when I trained with them earlier in the year,” Brain said.

“To be going into a familiar environment or one with plenty of helping hands is going to be good.”

Originally published as Noosa footy star Shadeau Brain drafted by Brisbane Lions for AFL