He started in the
Surfers Paradise reserves in the second division, switched to
Southport to maximize his competitive opportunities in 2007, and was a senior fixture in the Sharks side in 2007-08-09. In 2007 he played a full season, including 12 senior games, and was the best ruckman on the ground in the '07 QAFL grand final loss to Mt. Gravatt. In 2008 he played in the winning grand final side against Morningside. He played 20 of a possible 21 games in 2009. He also made his Queensland representative debut against Tasmania in June 2009, was a member of the QAFL Team of the Year, finished equal 7th in the
Grogan Medal, and won the club's 'Most Improved Player' award. ==Brisbane Lions career==