Kai Lohmann, a Brisbane Lions forward, turned a breakout 2024 season into cult status with a shaved head and a four-goal Grand Final performance. Here’s what you need to know about his background, viral moment, and career trajectory.
Full name: Kai Lohmann · Date of birth: 6 May 2003 · Height: 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) · Position: Medium forward · AFL club: Brisbane Lions · Jersey number: 23
Quick snapshot
- Born 6 May 2003 in Maryborough, Victoria (AFL Player Profile)
- Selected by Brisbane Lions with pick 20 in the 2021 national draft (Brisbane Lions)
- 2024 AFL Rising Star nominee, finished third in voting (AFL.com.au)
- Kicked four goals in the 2024 Grand Final (Brisbane Lions)
- Exact salary figure not publicly confirmed (ABC News)
- Exact round of AFL debut in 2022 is uncertain across sources (Wikipedia)
- Exact weight is approximate (84 kg) – not officially confirmed (AFL Player Profile)
- Late 2024: Shaved head before Grand Final, became viral story (AFL.com.au)
- 2024: Played 27 games, kicked 36 goals (ABC News)
- Contract extension with Brisbane until end of 2027 (ABC News)
- Played in 2025 Grand Final (kicked two goals) (Brisbane Lions)
Twelve key facts tell the full picture of Lohmann’s profile — from his height and weight to his draft history and community origins.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kai Lohmann |
| Date of birth | 6 May 2003 |
| Age | 21 |
| Height | 185 cm |
| Weight | 84 kg (approx.) |
| Position | Medium forward |
| AFL club | Brisbane Lions |
| Jersey number | 23 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Debut | 2022 |
| Games | 69 (as of end 2024) |
| Community | Ballarat, Victoria, Australia |
Where is Kai Lohmann from?
Kai Lohmann was born on 6 May 2003 in Maryborough, Victoria, a regional town about 170 kilometres northwest of Melbourne (Brisbane Lions). He grew up in Ballarat, Victoria, after his family moved there during his childhood (AFL Player Profile).
His junior football began at the Maryborough Football Club, then he played for Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat Football League and the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the Talent League (Wikipedia).
Brisbane described him as a “draft bolter” after a standout year with the Rebels (Brisbane Lions).
The implication: Lohmann’s path from a country town to the AFL is a classic Victorian regional story — but his decision to stay in Queensland after being drafted surprised many who expected him to return home.
How tall is Kai Lohmann?
Kai Lohmann stands 185 cm tall (6 ft 1 in) and weighs approximately 84 kg (AFL Player Profile). That frame suits his medium-forward role, giving him enough height to compete in marking contests while staying agile for ground-level work.
What this means: At 185 cm, Lohmann fits the modern forward mould — not a tall key forward, but tall enough to be a mismatch against smaller defenders.
Why did Kai Lohmann shave his head?
Before the 2024 AFL Grand Final, Lohmann shaved off his hair, creating an instant viral moment (AFL.com.au). Fans compared his new look to David Beckham, and he later acknowledged the comparison on social media.
Did Kai Lohmann shave his head for a bet?
- No evidence points to a bet or dare. The decision appears to have been personal — a statement ahead of the biggest game of his career (AFL.com.au).
- Teammates embraced the look; one memorable moment saw a teammate rub his head before kissing him on the cheek during the premiership celebrations.
Kai Lohmann’s buzz cut and the David Beckham comparison
- On Instagram, Lohmann reacted to the Beckham comparisons with humour, leaning into the meme (Kai Lohmann Instagram).
- The haircut became a defining image of the 2024 finals series, cementing his status as a cult figure beyond his on-field heroics.
Lohmann’s buzz cut wasn’t a stunt — it was a psychological reset. For a young player who had battled injuries and doubted his place at the club, the new look signaled a fresh chapter. The result: four goals on Grand Final day and a new fanbase.
This haircut decision remains one of the most talked-about moments of the 2024 finals series, reinforcing Lohmann’s reputation as a player who thrives under pressure.
How much does Kai Lohmann get paid?
Exact salary figures for AFL players are not always publicly disclosed. Lohmann was drafted in 2021 and signed his first professional contract as a first-round pick (pick 20). In February 2025, he signed a contract extension with Brisbane until the end of 2027 (ABC News).
Based on standard second-contract AFL player salaries, his annual pay is estimated to be in the range of AUD $200,000–$400,000 per season.
The trade-off: Lohmann could have returned to Victoria for more money, but he chose security and opportunity at Brisbane — a bet that paid off with back-to-back Grand Final appearances.
Does Kai Lohmann have a brother?
Yes, Kai Lohmann has a brother named Jake Lohmann (Wikipedia). The brothers have a shared journey documented in the series “Us With the World: Kai and Jake Lohmann’s Journey Together,” which explores their upbringing and bond.
Jake Lohmann, Kai’s brother
- Jake is not a professional AFL player but has been a supportive figure throughout Kai’s career.
- The brotherly connection is part of Lohmann’s “family-first” image, often referenced in interviews.
This family-centric narrative distinguishes Lohmann from many of his peers, highlighting a maturity that belies his age.
Kai Lohmann timeline
- 6 May 2003: Kai Lohmann born in Maryborough, Victoria. (AFL Player Profile)
- 2021: Drafted by Brisbane Lions with pick 20 in the national draft (Brisbane Lions)
- 2022: AFL debut (Round 5 against Collingwood) (Wikipedia)
- 2024: AFL Rising Star nominee for Round 10 after five goals against Richmond (Brisbane Lions). Finished third in the Rising Star award (AFL.com.au)
- Late 2024: Shaves head before Grand Final; kicks four goals in the premiership decider (Brisbane Lions)
- 2025: Plays in second consecutive Grand Final, kicks two goals. Signs contract extension until end of 2027 (ABC News)
Confirmed facts and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born 6 May 2003 in Australia (AFL Player Profile)
- Height: 185 cm (AFL Player Profile)
- Shaved his head before the 2024 AFL Grand Final (AFL.com.au)
- Has a brother named Jake (Wikipedia)
- Plays for Brisbane Lions as a forward (Brisbane Lions)
What’s unclear
- Exact salary not publicly confirmed (ABC News)
- Details about his partner are not widely reported
- Exact round of 2022 debut varies between sources (Wikipedia)
- Exact weight is approximate (84 kg) – not officially confirmed (AFL Player Profile)
- Exact academic background is not widely reported
Quotes
“I love the big moments.”
— Kai Lohmann, after the 2024 Grand Final, quoted by AFL.com.au
“Kai Lohmann was a draft bolter after a standout year with the Rebels.”
— Brisbane Lions, via player profile
thedropkick.com.au, afl.com.au, youtube.com, ultimatefooty.com.au, zerohanger.com, lions.com.au
Frequently asked questions
What is Kai Lohmann’s nationality?
Australian.
How old is Kai Lohmann?
He was born on 6 May 2003, making him 21 years old as of the 2024 season.
What position does Kai Lohmann play?
Medium forward.
Which AFL team does Kai Lohmann play for?
Brisbane Lions.
What is Kai Lohmann’s jersey number?
23.
Has Kai Lohmann been injured?
He has had three surgeries since being drafted, including groin surgery between his first and second years (AFL.com.au).
Where did Kai Lohmann go to school?
He attended school in Ballarat, Victoria before being drafted into the AFL.
For Brisbane Lions fans, the takeaway is clear: Lohmann is not just a flash in the pan — he’s a key piece of the forward line for years to come, provided he stays healthy and continues to embrace the big moments. For Victorian clubs who hoped to lure him home, the 2027 contract extension closes that door for now.
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Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Wire Hub, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.