Sport
23 May, 2024
Kai’s five gives Lohmann AFL Rising Star nomination after standout performance
“The Rising Star nomination is a great reward for the work Kai put in over the pre-season and the way he has been working on his craft,” Daly told lions. com. au
It was a weekend to remember for former Maryborough local, and now Brisbane Lions fan favourite Kai Lohmann, who secured a Rising Star nomination from the AFL after his best game of his fledgling career.
Ever the entertainer, and known for his flamboyant goal celebrations, Lohmann had plenty in his bag in the Lions’ 119-point win over a struggling Richmond on Saturday night, kicking a career-best five goals.
It was the second time Lohmann had kicked multiple goals in a game in his career, but one could sense this was a true breakout game.
Lohmann also had 14 disposals, took seven marks, provided three inside 50s, two clearances and laid two tackles in what was his most complete game of football so far.
Lohmann’s continued rise is consistent with the faith shown between the two parties, after having some significant interest from Victorian clubs during last year’s AFL trade period.
After making substitute appearances in his first three games of the season, Lohmann took his opportunity when he was named in the starting side in the Lions’ Gather Round game against North Melbourne in round four, where he collected 18 disposals and kicked two goals, garnering enough confidence for an extended run in the team.
Lohmann has since hit the scoreboard in six of his last seven games.
It continues a rapid rise for the 20th overall pick in the 2021 AFL draft, having played junior football with Maryborough, before moving to Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat Football League, earning his stripes with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the Coates Talent League.
Brisbane’s General Manager of Football, Danny Daly, said it was a credit to Lohmann’s hard work and ability to put himself in the frame to earn his spot for the 2023 runner-up, as they look to end a 20-year premiership drought.
“The Rising Star nomination is a great reward for the work Kai put in over the pre-season and the way he has been working on his craft,” Daly told lions.com.au.
“The last few years Kai has been knocking on the door of our team or was in and out because it was quite a tough forward line for him to break into.
“Though this year he started as the sub and since coming into our starting line-up he has really made the most of his opportunities and it’s a credit to him.
“We love the energy he brings to the team, and he is starting to play some good footy, the challenge for him now is to keep building on that and do it consistently.”
Lohmann, himself, prides himself on bringing energy to the club, both on the field with his pressure and ability to hit the scoreboard, and off it by his ability to become a fan favourite.
“I'm always here to bring the energy and create a bit of fun and laughter around the group,” Lohmann told afl.com.au.
“It's something I pride myself on.
“It's a fun group to be around and somewhere you can come in straight away and be yourself. I love bringing the energy, and feel like it's helped.”
Lohmann’s nomination continues a budding history of Rising Star nominations around the Maryborough district — and a rich one for Brisbane Lions fans at that.
Lohmann joins Newstead local Jack Ginnivan (Collingwood, round six, 2022), Maryborough’s Jake Stringer (Western Bulldogs, round 20, 2014), Maryborough Rovers’ Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide, round 16, 2006), Maryborough’s Jed Adcock (Brisbane Lions, round 12, 2006) and Navarre’s Tim Notting (Brisbane Lions, round 21, 1999) as previous nominations of the award.
The Lions will be in Melbourne this week as they look to continue their recent good form.
Having struggled to start the season, the Lions are now a game and a half outside the top eight, and will have an opportunity to close further if they can defeat Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.