Former Bomber Sam Draper’s characteristics have him being likened to another ex-Essendon star who made the move to Brisbane, the mercurial Joe Daniher.
One of the Lions’ prized off-season recruits, Draper will take on his former club on Saturday when Brisbane meets the Bombers at Marvel Stadium.
The towering 27-year-old ruckman has wasted no time in making a major impression at the Lions, on and off the field.
“The thing that’s jumped out for me the most is he’s so invested in everyone else and wants to make everyone else get better,” Lions star Cam Rayner said of Draper.
“For someone coming in from a different club and trying something different, moving to a different state … he’s just been really, really good at that, which has been great.”
The now retired Daniher made a similar move to Brisbane from Essendon in 2021, with his presence and form playing a huge part in the Lions’ premiership success in 2024.
“Sam’s very similar to Joey,” Rayner said.
“He’s really level-headed. It doesn’t look like that from the outside, but a lot of boys have said that.
“He’s really witty and really invested in the team and looking to learn to get better.
“He’s going to be pretty excited playing against his old team this weekend, and hopefully he gets a nice reception from all the old Essendon fans.”
Lions coach Chris Fagan described Draper as a “gregarious, happy-go-lucky sort of a guy”.
“I just imagine he’s looking forward to the opportunity to play against his old teammates,” Fagan said.
“He was a much-loved player at that club, and I imagine he still is. We love him equally here, and he’s having a really great impact for us.
“He was probably a little bit slow to get going in the first couple of weeks, but he’s certainly picked up since then.
“His ability to make the ball around the ground, his ruck work … our centre bounces have improved out of sight this year. He’s having a big impact.”
Fagan also praised Draper’s fellow ruckman Darcy Fort.
“The two of them are a great combination. (Fort) has been terrifically good as well. We’re very fortunate at the moment to have those two guys playing in the ruck and playing well,” the Lions mentor said.
The premiers – who will hand Cody Curtin his AFL debut after the long-term loss of Oscar Allen (broken foot) – are chasing back-to-back wins on Saturday after last weekend’s 52-point disposal of Adelaide.
The Bombers, who have only tasted victory once in seven matches this season, will be desperate to bounce back after an embarrassing 77-point loss to Collingwood last Saturday.
“I’ve got total respect of what they are trying to do, and we need to turn up like we did the other night against Adelaide and not be one-week wonders with our pressure,” Fagan said.
