Hipwood extends with Lions

Star young Lions forward Eric Hipwood has extended with the club until the end of the 2023 season.

The move continues the recent wave of re-signings for the club, who not too long ago had a terrible player retention problem, and is a major boost for the finals-bound side who will be making their first appearance in September in a decade.

Hipwood had already been contracted for the 2020 season, but put pen to paper for a further three years as the 21-year old continues to enjoy one of the best seasons of his short career.

The dynamic forward has booted 32 goals for the season so far; five goals shy of his 2018 season, and said the decision to extend was an easy win as he looks forward to a maiden finals campaign with what he describes as a special group.

“To have that little taste now is exciting and something I want to be a part of,” he told the club's website.

“Coming into the Club each day, it’s exciting to watch everyone push each other and strive for constant improvement.

“I think one thing is the brotherhood we have within the group.

“We’re all so close and we play for each other.

“We realised we had to have that closeness as group to be successful.”

General Manager of Football David Noble said Hipwood has shown great improvement over the past two years which has seen him kick at least 30 goals.

“Eric has worked hard behind the scenes on his forward craft, which is evident in his development as a key forward,” Noble said.

“He has been crucial to our growth in the forward line over the past three seasons and is a strong team contributor, with a team player attitude to match.

“We are thrilled to have him in the Den for at least another four years.”

Hipwood's signature now means he joins the Berry brothers as players contracted to the club for 2023 and beyond.

The Lions still have 14 players out on contract at season's end. View the full list here.