Lions recruit Sam Draper has pulled back the curtain on his decision to leave Essendon and join the reigning premiers, highlighting the need for a fresh start after a few tumultuous seasons of health concerns at Tullamarine.
Draper played five games in the 2025 season before suffering a cruel season-ending Achilles rupture, adding to a history of injury-impacted campaigns in the red and black.
He has played more than 16 games in a single year just once since being drafted out of South Australia in 2016 as a rookie.
"It was a really tough decision, because I really loved my time with the Bombers and all my friends I've met along the way," Draper told Lions Media.
"There's people who put time into me and the supporters have been so great to me, so I'm really grateful for them and what they've done.
"But I've been through a lot the last few years with my body, and I think a fresh start was the best thing for me. Brisbane offered a really good opportunity in a new state and a new challenge."
Draper stated that, once fully healthy, he expects to take on a "pure ruck" role under Brisbane senior coach Chris Fagan as he looks to contribute to a budding dynasty.
"I've had positive conversations with 'Fages'," Draper said.
"He sees me as a pure ruck so once I get my body right, I'm looking forward to easing in and starting in the ruck.
"It's an opportunity I'm really excited for. Obviously, Brisbane have been great the last two years, and I expect us to be good for a while."
However, Draper's versatility could be a weapon hidden up the sleeves of Fagan to be used at his disposal, as the 27-year-old demonstrated a much greater aerial threat to premiership ruck Darcy Fort, averaging 3.6 marks per game before his year ended, half of which were contested.
Draper also proved to be one of the better goal sneaks among rucks in 2025, kicking seven goals in five games this season, which he hopes to bring to Brisbane in 2026.
"On-field, I want to get my body right. I want to show a little scoreboard pressure and really impact that way as well as giving the first use to the midfielders and my follow up around the ball," Draper said.
"Off-field I want to impact the culture positively and build those relationships with people. I'm looking forward to earning that respect first.
"It's a bit surreal [joining Brisbane], but it's something I'm really excited about."
