# Sam Draper AFL Grand Final appearance > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sam-draper-afl-grand-final-appearance > Updated: 2026-09-25T02:14:37.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3. Brisbane Lions ruckman Sam Draper has secured his first AFL Grand Final appearance during his debut season with the club. After spending nine years with Essendon and overcoming significant injuries, including an ACL tear and an Achilles tendon rupture, Draper successfully reintegrated into professional football, playing every game this season. Following his achievement, Draper credited his partner, Izzy Burgess, for her support during his recovery. Burgess, a nurse, gained social media attention for designing custom, satirical T-shirts to celebrate his seasonal milestones. As the Grand Final approaches, Draper has identified Fremantle’s Luke Jackson as a major challenge. Draper described Jackson as a ‘genuine match-winner’ and a ‘freak’ due to his versatility and mobility. Having studied elite ruckmen like Max Gawn, Draper noted the difficulty of competing against Jackson’s unique skill set. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-25: Sam Draper reaches first AFL Grand Final with Brisbane Lions Brisbane Lions ruckman Sam Draper will play in his first AFL Grand Final following a successful move from Essendon and recovery from major injuries. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-draper-reaches-first-afl-grand-final-with-brisbane-lions ### 2026-09-24: Luke Jackson looms large for Fremantle in AFL Grand Final Fremantle's Luke Jackson is set to play a key role in the AFL Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions, facing a significant midfield battle against Lions ruck Sam Draper. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luke-jackson-looms-large-for-fremantle-in-afl-grand-final ### 2026-09-20: AFL: Sam Draper reaches Grand Final while Ben King requests trade Sam Draper has reached his first AFL Grand Final with the Brisbane Lions following a move from Essendon, while Gold Coast Suns forward Ben King has requested a trade to Hawthorn. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-sam-draper-reaches-grand-final-while-ben-king-requests-trade --- Cite as: Sam Draper AFL Grand Final appearance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sam-draper-afl-grand-final-appearance