Eric Hipwood’s return to the AFL field in June 2026 was more than just another game — it marked his 200th match and capped a nine-month recovery from a second ACL surgery. For Brisbane Lions fans, it was a reminder of the forward’s resilience and a milestone that few players reach after two knee reconstructions.

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Born: 13 September 1997 ·
Club: Brisbane Lions ·
Height: 204 cm ·
AFL Games: 200 ·
ACL Injuries: Two

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Australian forward for Brisbane Lions (Wikipedia)
  • Returned from partial ACL tear in June 2026 (AFL)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact nature of reported partner split in 2025
  • Future retirement timeline
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Continued role in Brisbane Lions forward line

Nine facts that define his career so far:

Label Value
Full Name Eric Hipwood
Date of Birth 13 September 1997
Height 204 cm (Wikipedia)
Weight 90 kg
Club Brisbane Lions
Games Played 200 (as of June 2026) (AFL)
Goals Kicked 219th all-time
Father Bruce Reville
Siblings 12

What has happened to Eric Hipwood?

ACL injury timeline

  • Hipwood suffered a partial ACL tear late in the 2025 season, confirmed by scans (Brisbane Lions).
  • He underwent surgery on his left knee in September 2025 (Brisbane Lions).

Return to AFL

  • After about nine months of rehabilitation, Hipwood returned to senior football in June 2026 (AFL).
  • His comeback match was against Richmond in Tasmania (AFL).

200th game milestone

  • The Lions confirmed his 200th AFL game would be that Richmond match, a 303-day wait to join the 200 Club (Brisbane Lions).
  • He reportedly kicked two goals in the win (7NEWS Queensland).

The implication: Hipwood has returned from two ACL injuries (the first in 2021) before age 29, a rare durability pattern for a tall forward.

What nationality is Eric Hipwood?

Early life and Australian roots

  • Hipwood was born in Australia on 13 September 1997 (Wikipedia).
  • He played junior football in Queensland and graduated from the Youi Lions Academy (Brisbane Lions).

Representation

  • He has represented the Brisbane Lions since his AFL debut in 2016, making him a one-club player.

What this means: Hipwood’s entire career has been rooted in Queensland, a rarity in a competition with high player movement.

Who is Eric Hipwood’s father?

Family background

  • Hipwood’s father is Bruce Reville, a former AFL player who played for the Brisbane Bears (Wikipedia).

Connection to Bruce Reville

  • Reville’s career in the VFL/AFL means Hipwood is a second-generation AFL player, a factor that shaped his pathway through the Lions Academy.

The pattern: Hipwood’s upbringing in a football family likely contributed to his resilience through two knee reconstructions.

Is Eric Hipwood married?

Relationship status

  • Hipwood is not publicly known to be married. Reports in 2025 suggested a split with his partner, though no confirmation has been made.

Personal life updates

  • He maintains a relatively private personal life, with limited public statements about relationships.

The catch: Public interest in Hipwood’s personal life has grown as his profile increased, but his focus remains on football.

Which AFL player has 12 siblings?

Eric Hipwood’s siblings

  • Hipwood is one of 13 children, making him the AFL player with 12 siblings (Wikipedia).

Family size

  • His large family is often mentioned in biographical coverage and is a distinctive personal detail.

Why this matters: The 12-sibling fact adds a human-interest angle to his story but has no direct impact on his playing career.

One comparison that illustrates Hipwood’s recovery journey: his two ACL injuries side by side.

Aspect 2021 ACL Rupture 2025 Partial ACL Tear
Injury date Round 17, 2021 (Wikipedia) Late 2025 (Brisbane Lions)
Surgery Yes (reconstruction) Yes (September 2025)
Return to play ~10 months (2022) (ESPN Australia) ~9 months (June 2026) (AFL)
The upshot

Hipwood has returned from two ACL injuries faster than typical recovery timelines, a credit to the Lions’ medical staff and his own dedication.

Career timeline

  • 13 September 1997: Born in Australia
  • 2016: AFL debut for Brisbane Lions
  • 2021: First ACL rupture (round 17)
  • 2024: Premiership with Brisbane Lions
  • Late 2025: Partial ACL tear
  • September 2025: ACL surgery
  • June 2026: 200th game & return from injury

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Eric Hipwood is Australian and plays for Brisbane Lions.
  • He suffered a partial ACL tear in 2025 and returned in June 2026.
  • His father is Bruce Reville, a former AFL player.

What’s unclear

  • The exact nature of his partner split in 2025 is not confirmed.
  • His retirement plans are not publicly stated.
  • His exact height varies between sources (203 cm vs 204 cm) (Brisbane Lions).

For the Brisbane Lions, the choice is clear: keep Hipwood as a key tall forward for the next two seasons, or start developing a replacement as he approaches his late 20s. His 200th game and two ACL returns make him a leader by example, but the club’s forward-line strategy must account for his long-term durability.

Additional sources

afl.com.au, preview.inkl.com, lions.com.au, zerohanger.com, facebook.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is Eric Hipwood’s playing position?

He plays as a tall forward for the Brisbane Lions.

How many goals has Eric Hipwood kicked in his career?

At his 150th game he had kicked 227 goals (Brisbane Lions). His career total is not publicly updated to 200 games.

What is Eric Hipwood’s height and weight?

Listed at 204 cm and 90 kg (some sources say 203 cm).

Does Eric Hipwood have a Wikipedia page?

Yes, it is publicly available.

What is Eric Hipwood’s contract worth?

Contract details are not publicly disclosed.

Has Eric Hipwood played for any other AFL club?

No, he has only played for the Brisbane Lions.

When did Eric Hipwood debut in the AFL?

He debuted in 2016.

What is Eric Hipwood’s Instagram handle?

His Instagram handle is not officially confirmed.