Refreshing move for Moloney
Brent Moloney has benefited from a change of football environment
Moloney had a wretched 2012, struggling to find form under new Melbourne coach Mark Neeld and limping his way through 15 games.
It was a far cry from the man who stormed to a best and fairest and top-10 Brownlow Medal finish the year before.
When the chance came up for a trade last October, the 29-year-old leapt at it.
He landed in Brisbane, and despite not kicking a ball in anger yet, could not be happier with his move.
"It has (rejuvenated me)," Moloney said.
"I know myself I had a terrible year last year and I needed a change. This has been great for me and I'm just really looking forward to pulling on the jumper and helping this pretty young list out over the next few years."
Moloney has fitted in seamlessly during the pre-season and impressed everyone with his work ethic.
Alongside Black and emerging star Jack Redden, Moloney is expected to help the Lions lift their dismal clearance record from 2012.
He said the chance to work daily alongside Brownlow medallists Black and coach Michael Voss – whose coveted No.3 guernsey he will wear – was something he couldn't put a price on.
"I have regular meetings with Vossy and we talk about game style and structures and stoppages. And working daily with Simon Black is a privilege. Speaking to him ... he's just great to work with," he said.
"You never stop learning and I've felt I've picked up a lot of new things since I've come here. It's been a challenge and I've really enjoyed the program they've put together."
Moloney has been among the leaders in the club's 2km time trials and said the speed endurance training program suited him.
He said the Lions' group was "highly skilled" and was impressed with the young midfield group of Redden, Tom Rockliff, Claye Beams, Patrick Karnezis and particularly Irishman Pearce Hanley.
But above all, Moloney was just happy to fly under the radar and concentrate on what he does best.
"You don't get any news up here and that's been the refreshing thing for me," he said.
"I loved the footy in Melbourne but it's refreshing to come up here and just focus on what you're doing and what your teammates are doing.
"With young teams you're going to make mistakes but I think they've matured together. They've been together four or five years ... it's exciting times."
Brent Moloney is a $309,800 midfielder in NAB AFL Fantasy.
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting