Collingwood utility Patrick Lipinski has done it all before the age of 25.
He was drafted by his childhood club. He was subsequently traded out due to the stacked midfield at the Western Bulldogs.
Lipinski then landed at the biggest sporting organisation in the country. Played in the AFL Grand Final. Became a premiership player. Has suffered from multiple shoulder injuries, resulting in reconstructions.
And is now becoming one of the more recognisable faces in fashion as his partnership with streetwear brand Superdry is starting to heat up.
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A lot to digest.
In 2024, Lipinski found a more specific role in the Pies team, playing a hybrid half-forward function in Craig McRae's system, who's been a huge help in recognising his significance in the team.
"I think 'Fly' is awesome at celebrating everyone's strengths and that gives all players confidence in their ability," Lipinski told Zero Hanger.
"Being versatile in my role has been important this season and I'm just trying to have as much fun as possible each week and play whichever role the team needs from me to the best of my ability."
With stars across the board, the former Bulldog has found his niche playing a selfless role, filled with unrewarded running and defensive pressure that generally gets missed externally, but has been rewarded with a new deal earlier this year.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
And despite reaching the ultimate glory in 2023, Lipinski is not done yet, believing his game can go to another level.
"Personally, I just wanted to have a strong off-season (ahead of the 2024 campaign) and build up plenty of strength," Lipinski said.
"Being healthy going into the pre-season was my priority so I could complete as many sessions as possible, which would give me the best chance to perform during the season.
"It was tough missing the first half of the (2023) season and having shoulder surgery for the second time in 5 months," Lipinski said.
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"However, it was awesome to see that our late form of 2022 carried into 2023 so that was super exciting and motivating to be able to return to the team.
"Being the sub for the grand final was great, although I hadn't played that role for Collingwood, I was just excited to be the best sub possible.
"I was grateful to be part of the team and hopeful to be a premiership player."
It has not been all sunshine and rainbows for Lipinski, with his last season at the Bulldogs heartbreaking from an individual and team perspective.
During the Bulldogs' extraordinary 2021 run to the grand final, Lipinski was a consistent contributor, featuring in 11 games including Round 20 against Adelaide.
However, when it came to the crunch time, coach Luke Beveridge couldn't find a spot for the right-footer in his side and the writing was on the wall.
"I look back on that period as a very exciting time in my life," Lipinski admitted.
"It was tough not being part of the finals series but I still just tried to enjoy the experience of being interstate with my teammates and just training as well as possible.
"Once the season was over I was able to request a trade to the Pies."
And he's never looked back.
But with the future burning bright both on the field, Lipinski has explored another one of his passions: fashion.
Since being drafted in 2016 at Pick 28, the 25-year-old has been scouting a position in the fashion space and has begun working with well-known brands, including Superdry.
"I think since I've been in the AFL many of the guys are into fashion and from my early days at the Bulldogs I started getting into it," Lipinski said.
"I am massively into sneakers and that is an extension of fashion.
I wasn't really ever trying to enter the fashion industry but it was always a major interest and has happened really organically."
Aside from attending University and travelling the world during the off-season, Lipinski has become the face of the worldwide brand in a new collaboration to launch a new puffer jacket range.
“AFL players are probably tapping into some of this stuff a little bit more,” Lipinski said in April.
“Maybe it's a little bit more accepted, or people are just being themselves and doing what they want to do and not thinking about what others think.
“But I've always loved fashion and think Superdry is a cool brand.”
General Manager of International Brands at Superdry Alastair Davies was a "big fan of Patrick" and was stoked to be working in tandem.
“Superdry has something for all walks of life from timeless and transitional puffers with a Superdry twist to fur-trimmed parkas for the city goers," Davies told Zero Hanger.
"We are big fans of Patrick, not only for his commitment to his sport but also his personal style off-field and are so excited to be working with him to encapsulate our brand ethos and connect with the local community.”
Check out the Superdry Puffer Jacket range at superdry.com.au.
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