Keidean Coleman

Coleman was born in Katherine, Northern Territory^[3] to a family of Indigenous Australian descent (Dalabon and Jawoyn)^[4] and raised in Barunga.^[5]

At nine years of age he moved to Brisbane for better education opportunities and to pursue a career in football.^[6] While in Brisbane, he initially played junior football for the Wynnum Vikings before switching to Morningside to play in the top level QAFL competition. He impressed enough to be placed in the Brisbane Lions Academy and was considered a future AFL prospect in the lead up to his draft year. However, he was overlooked at the 2018 AFL draft but decided to remain a part of Brisbane's academy program as an overage player.^[7] The decision paid off when Brisbane drafted Coleman with pick 37 in the 2019 AFL draft, matching a bid by Essendon. This in itself wasn't without controversy as Brisbane did not have the required draft points to match the bid. Brisbane had to complete many trades to facilitate the bid and took more than their allocated time by nearly ten minutes, with the AFL breaking its own draft rules to allow it.^[8] Coleman attended Brisbane Bayside State College throughout his high school years.^[9]

Coleman made his debut for the Brisbane Lions' 8 point win over Collingwood in the 15th round of the 2020 AFL season.^[10][11] On debut, Coleman picked up 12 disposals, 4 marks and 4 tackles.^[12]

Following his rookie season, Coleman saw himself in and out of the Lions lineup in place of other defenders, however the latter half of the season saw Coleman show promise. Coleman ended up playing in both of the Brisbane Lions finals losses. In the Qualifying Finals loss to the Melbourne Demons, Coleman collected a then career-high 18 disposals, along with 10 kicks and 6 marks.^[13] At the conclusion of the 2021 season, Coleman signed a two-year extension to stay with Brisbane.^[14]

Coleman fell in and out of the rotation in 2022, but showed signs of promise. In the 20th round of the season, Coleman picked up a career high 30 disposals in a loss to Richmond.^[15] Coleman was named in the Lions squad for all remaining games in the season, including Brisbane's three finals games.

Entering into the 2023 AFL Season, Coleman became one of Brisbane's key defenders and played a career high 23 games.^[16] In the Lions 2023 Preliminary Final matchup against Carlton Football Club, Coleman had a best on ground performance, finishing with 21 disposals, including 11 intercepts, 10 marks and a team-high 627 metres gained.^[17] Coleman had a further impressive outing in the 2023 AFL Grand Final against Collingwood. Despite the loss, Coleman was runner-up for the Norm Smith Medal with 5 total votes.^[18] Coleman finished the year recording 3 Brownlow Medal votes^[19] and won the Brisbane Lions Youi Game Changer Award at the annual Merrett–Murray awards night.^[20]

Before the 2024 season, Coleman re-signed with Brisbane until the end of 2027.^[21] He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the first match of the 2024 season and missed the remainder of the season.^[22]

Growing up, Coleman and his brother Blake, grew up as supporters of the Collingwood Football Club.

On July 20, 2021, Coleman and his partner Rylie announced the birth of their first child, Haisley Lana Coleman.^[23]

Updated to the end of round 22, 2026.^[24]

Notes