‘Fair bit of flack’: Ex-whipping boy’s 8kg AFL transformation after ‘heartbreaking’ setback

A heartbreaking injury setback has turned into a significant blessing in disguise for Brisbane forward Eric Hipwood, whose body transformation has him primed to help the Lions’ push for a stunning three-peat.

Hipwood, a Lions academy graduate, played 50 of a possible 53 games across the Lions’ 2023 and 2024 campaigns, including the Grand Final loss to Collingwood and the premiership triumph over Sydney 12 months later.

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He then featured in the first 22 Lions games of the 2025 season before suffering a calf injury.

And as Hipwood was recovering from his calf setback, he underwent scans on his left knee, which revealed a far worse injury.

The scans showed Hipwood had a partial ACL tear in his left knee — the same knee he had repaired after an ACL rupture in 2021.

It ended his 2025 campaign, meaning he missed the second of the Lions’ Grand Final victories.

Hipwood returned in Round 14 this year and has played all 12 games since. And while a defensive experiment late in the home and away season was short-lived, the left-footer has returned a different and more imposing player.

Lion racing to be fit to face Hawks | 01:33

The 29-year-old has kicked 10.5 from his past five matches, including two goals from 12 disposals and seven marks in the 53-point semi-final win over Adelaide where he showed great offensive and defensive prowess. At one stage, Brisbane fans at the Gabba were chanting Hipwood’s name — a far cry from his previous status as a Brisbane whipping boy.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Lions coach Chris Fagan said Hipwood was around “eight kilos heavier than he’s ever been”, which had paid dividends for both player and team.

“He’s been great hasn’t he?” Fagan said when asked about Hipwood.

“He managed to put some weight on that stringbean of a body of his while he was out — and I think it’s helped him.

“There was a good moment in the game on Saturday night where the crowd was chanting his name. I actually love that, because he’s copped a fair bit of flack over the years from our supporters and from opposition supporters.

“I just thought that was a real sign that in the eyes of everyone, he’s turned the corner as a player and they now trust him and respect him.

"We needed a statement" Chris Fagan | 06:43

“I did talk about that moment in our team meeting on Monday and said how good I thought that was, because it hasn’t been easy for him. He’s copped a fair bit of stick online, criticism about the way he plays the game and stuff like that.

“I’ve been here for 10 years now and I’ve never not picked him when he’s been available, so I’ve got a lot of time for him.

“It was just good to hear the fans get behind him the other night.”

Asked how Hipwood had coped with the negative fan treatment over the years, Fagan said: “I think he’s felt it, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve had little chats about it.

“I think a few years ago he got off social media because it wasn’t worth reading, really. Some of the armchair warriors out there, the courageous people who hide in the dark places make comments.

“I think he’s matured and probably doesn’t listen to that all that much anymore, but it was great to hear the crowd chanting his name.”

Fagan said there was “no doubt” Hipwood’s bigger frame had helped him on the field.

“It always helps you to be a little bit bigger and stronger,” Fagan said.

“If there’s a good thing to come out of having two knee reconstructions, that’s probably been it.

“He’s used that time positively to improve himself, so that’s good to see that he’s got a result from that.”