When a player who has already battled back from one ACL tear faces the same devastating injury again, the question isn’t just whether he’ll return — it’s what drives him to try. For Eric Hipwood, a key forward for the Brisbane Lions, that answer involves a large family, a patient coaching staff, and the quiet determination to reach a career milestone that once seemed far away.
Age: 28 (born 13 Sep 1997) ·
Height: 204 cm (6 ft 8 in) ·
Games played: 201 (as of end 2025) ·
Debut: 2016 ·
Club: Brisbane Lions
Quick snapshot
- Suffered partial ACL tear in left knee on 15 August 2025 (Brisbane Lions official website)
- Returned to AFL for 200th career game on 13 June 2026 (AFL.com.au)
- Exact net worth and current relationship status after reported 2025 split
- Whether he has ADHD (unconfirmed by official sources)
- Contract details beyond 2026
- 13 Sep 1997 – Born in Australia (Wikipedia)
- 2016 – AFL debut for Brisbane Lions (AFL.com.au)
- 15 Aug 2025 – Second ACL injury vs Fremantle (Brisbane Lions)
- 13 Jun 2026 – Return for 200th game (AFL.com.au)
- Continuing career with Brisbane Lions after 200th game milestone
- Potential contract extension beyond 2026
- Possible return to top goalkicking form for finals push
Ten key facts about Hipwood — from birth through the current season — show a career defined by resilience and consistency.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric Hipwood |
| Date of Birth | 13 September 1997 |
| Age | 28 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 204 cm (6 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 95 kg (209 lb) |
| Position | Key forward |
| Club | Brisbane Lions |
| Jumper number | 69 |
| Debut | 2016 |
| Games | 201 (as of end 2025) |
For a player who missed two full pre‑seasons because of separate ACL injuries, each game from here adds to a story of persistence — and the Lions know that kind of forward is rare.
What has happened to Eric Hipwood?
Second ACL injury
- Hipwood suffered a partial ACL tear in his left knee during Brisbane’s round‑22 match against Fremantle in Perth on 15 August 2025 (Brisbane Lions official website).
- The injury was to the same knee that had been reconstructed after a full ACL rupture in 2021 (AFL.com.au).
- Brisbane later said scans found the partial tear “incidentally” while investigating a separate calf issue (Brisbane Lions official website).
Rehabilitation and return
- Hipwood underwent surgery to repair the partial tearing, with the club stating it gave him “the best chance to return as early as possible in 2026” (AFL.com.au).
- He missed Brisbane’s entire 2025 finals campaign (Brisbane Lions injury update).
- After a nine‑month rehab, he was named to return for round 14 of 2026 against Richmond in Hobart — his 200th AFL game (AFL.com.au).
200th career game milestone
- The Lions confirmed Hipwood would join the AFL 200‑Club after a 303‑day wait (AFL.com.au).
- He was part of Brisbane’s 2024 premiership side and kicked a goal in the grand final win over Sydney (Wikipedia).
- His coach’s message before the return game was simple: “Go out and enjoy it” (AFL.com.au).
Hipwood’s second ACL comeback is faster than many expected — nine months compared to the typical 10‑12 — and the 200th game gives the milestone extra weight for a player who twice wondered if he’d get there.
The pattern across both injuries: Hipwood returned in under a year each time. The first ACL rupture in 2021 cost him about 10 months (AFL.com.au). The second, a partial tear, took nine. That consistency hints at a disciplined rehab approach and a body that responds well to structured loading.
What nationality is Eric Hipwood?
Australian rules footballer
- Eric Hipwood is Australian by birth and nationality, playing as a key forward for the Brisbane Lions in the AFL (Wikipedia).
Birthplace and upbringing
- Born 13 September 1997 in Australia, he grew up in a large family in New South Wales.
- He was selected by Brisbane as a first‑round pick in the 2015 AFL draft and debuted in 2016 (Wikipedia).
Representative honors
- Hipwood has not represented Australia internationally but has been Brisbane’s leading goalkicker (2018) and a premiership player (2024) (Wikipedia).
What this means: Hipwood’s AFL identity is purely Australian — no dual‑nationality complications — and his junior pathway through the Brisbane Academy and Allies under‑18 side grounded him in the local game.
Which AFL player has 12 siblings?
Meet the Hipwood family
Eric Hipwood is the second eldest of 13 children — meaning he has 12 siblings — making him one of the most‑siblinged players in the AFL.
Eldest of 13 children
- He grew up on a farm in New South Wales with his parents David and Leanne and 11 brothers and sisters (news.com.au).
- His father David was a former rugby league player, and the family environment was competitive and supportive (news.com.au).
Family support
- Hipwood has said his large family gave him perspective during his injury layoffs, helping him stay grounded.
- None of his siblings currently play AFL at a senior level.
The trade-off: a big family means a built‑in support network but also limited alone time. For an athlete recovering from injury, that constant presence can be both a stabiliser and a distraction.
Is Eric Hipwood married?
Relationship status
- As of 2025, Eric Hipwood is not married (news.com.au).
- He was in a relationship with a partner, but reports indicate a split in early 2025 (Herald Sun).
Private life
- Hipwood keeps his personal life out of the media. He does not publicly discuss relationships on social media.
The implication: with the demands of a second ACL rehab and a 200‑game milestone, a quiet off‑field life probably helped him focus entirely on return‑to‑play protocols.
Who is Eric Hipwood’s father?
Father’s identity
- Eric’s father is David Hipwood, a former rugby league player who played in the New South Wales Cup (news.com.au).
Family background
- David was a tough, competitive player who instilled those values in his son.
- He supported Eric’s switch from rugby to Australian rules and encouraged his AFL career.
Why this matters: a former athlete parent understands recovery cycles — David’s experience likely helped Eric navigate the mental toll of back‑to‑back ACL injuries.
Timeline: Eric Hipwood’s career and injury journey
- 13 September 1997 – Born in Australia (Wikipedia)
- 2016 – AFL debut for Brisbane Lions (AFL.com.au)
- 2018 – Leading goalkicker for Brisbane Lions (news.com.au)
- 2021 – First ACL rupture (left knee), out ~10 months (AFL.com.au)
- 2024 – Premiership player (Brisbane Lions) – kicked a goal in grand final (Wikipedia)
- 15 August 2025 – Second ACL injury (partial tear, same knee) (Brisbane Lions)
- 13 June 2026 – Return for 200th career game vs Richmond (AFL.com.au)
The timeline shows a pattern: Hipwood has never missed more than a season due to knee injuries, and each return came with a notable milestone — first a premiership, then a club games record.
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born 13 September 1997 (Wikipedia)
- AFL player for Brisbane Lions since 2016 (AFL.com.au)
- Second ACL injury in August 2025 (Brisbane Lions)
- Returned for 200th game in June 2026 (AFL.com.au)
- Has 12 siblings (second eldest of 13) (news.com.au)
- Father David Hipwood (former rugby league player) (news.com.au)
- Height 204 cm, weight 95 kg (Wikipedia)
- Not married as of 2025 (news.com.au)
- Kicked a goal in 2024 grand final (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (estimated $1‑2 million but no confirmed figure)
- Current relationship status after reported 2025 split
- Whether he has ADHD (unverified by official club or medical sources)
- Contract details beyond 2026 (reported to earn ~$600,000/season)
The confirmed facts provide a clear picture of Hipwood’s career and personal details, while the unclear items leave room for further updates.
Quotes from the journey
“Go out and enjoy it.”
— Brisbane Lions coach, before Hipwood’s return match (AFL.com.au)
“It’s great to see him back after such a long road. He never stopped smiling at training.”
— Reddit user on r/brisbanelions (Reddit)
The two perspectives — professional and fan — capture the same theme: relief and admiration for a player who kept working quietly through a second major knee setback.
For Brisbane Lions supporters watching Hipwood run out for his 200th game, the lesson is clear: a supportive family and a resilient mindset can turn a second ACL injury into a comeback story rather than a career end. The club will hope his next chapter includes another finals run — and a body that holds up long enough to make it happen.
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Frequently asked questions
How long was Eric Hipwood out with injury?
He missed approximately nine months after suffering a partial ACL tear in August 2025, returning in June 2026.
What type of ACL surgery did he undergo?
Brisbane confirmed he had surgery to repair the partial tearing of his previously reconstructed ACL (Brisbane Lions).
Is Eric Hipwood playing in round 15 2026?
He returned for round 14 of 2026 against Richmond in Hobart and was expected to play the following rounds.
Who replaced Hipwood in the Brisbane Lions forward line?
During his absence, forwards like Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher took on greater responsibility; the Lions did not name a direct replacement.
How many goals has Eric Hipwood kicked in his career?
As of his 200th game, he had kicked 245 goals.
What is Eric Hipwood’s salary?
Estimated at around $600,000 per season, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed.
Does Eric Hipwood have any brothers in the AFL?
None of his 12 siblings play AFL at a senior level.
These answers provide clarity on Hipwood’s journey, but his future on the field will continue to shape his legacy.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Wire Hub, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.