After 9 injury years at Essendon, Draper reaches Grand Final in first Lions
Ruckman Sam Draper reaches his first Grand Final in his first season at Brisbane after nine injury-plagued years at Essendon.
After nine seasons at Essendon marked by ACL, syndesmosis, groin problems and an Achilles tendon rupture, Sam Draper moved to Brisbane as a free agent last October. Draper played every game in 2026 and will feature in this weekend's Grand Final.
Brisbane's high-performance program, led by Damien Austin, has a strong record of reviving injured players including Joe Daniher, Lincoln McCarthy and Cal Ah Chee. Draper was still in early rehabilitation eight months after Achilles surgery when he arrived at the club but made round one.
"I knew it was the right call before the season started," he told AFL.com.au. "But then to be able to play every game, and now I'm in the Grand Final it's just what you dream of."
Brisbane has built a premiership-contending team under coach Chris Fagan through smart recruitment and strong leadership.
- Nine seasons
- Seasons at Essendon
- Eight months after Achilles surgery
- Months post-surgery on arrival
- Every game
- Games played in 2026
Why it mattersDraper's move showcases how modern AFL clubs can revive injury-damaged talent, a crucial edge in a ruthlessly competitive league.
AustraliaBrisbane's Grand Final win this weekend would cap a remarkable turnaround season for an Australian club returning to premiership contention.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 d ago
