Sam Draper reaches first AFL Grand Final with Brisbane Lions

Brisbane Lions ruckman Sam Draper is set to play in his first AFL Grand Final following a significant career turnaround. After nine years with Essendon, which included multiple injuries such as an ACL tear and a devastating Achilles rupture, Draper joined the Lions and reached the championship game in his first season with the club.

Draper credited his partner, Izzy Burgess, for supporting him through his recovery process. Burgess, a nurse, gained social media attention for designing custom, satirical T-shirts featuring photoshopped images of herself and Draper to celebrate his milestones and successes during the season.