It’s just his sixth year in the system and Brisbane Lions utility Ryan Lester is already considered one of the most experienced players on the Lions’ list.
“It is a little bit (weird), like it’s obviously gone quickly… but at the same time I do start to feel comfortable as a bit of a leader around the group,” Lester said on the latest ‘From The Players’ Lounge’ podcast.
“I feel like at the moment, we’re starting to really get a good group together and off the field we’re doing all of the right things.”
Lester believes the future is bright at the Lions and knows that the platforms are in place for future success, but he was dissapointed with the result against Port Adelaide as it didn’t reflect the true strength of the playing group.
“Performances like the one on the weekend are actually quite frustrating because we feel like we’re doing all of the right things.
“It’s obviously not translating sometimes on the field, and fans unfortunately don’t see what we do behind closed doors, but I’ve got a lot of faith that the group at the moment is going to be something good.
Lester was drafted in 2010, the same year as Jared Polec, Patrick Karnezis, and Josh Green. Of those drafted that year, both Lester and Green remain in the Maroon, Blue and Gold.
Does Lester have any malice towards those that have left? No, because they all had their reasons, he still calls them mates.
“They had their own reasons for leaving, which yes it hurt the Club, but I don’t hold any regrets to them… I’m still mates with them,” Lester said.
Lester found a great group of friends in Brisbane, found himself a girlfriend, and had the support of his parent’s whose lessons he could learn from.
“I probably embraced the place pretty early, and got a good group of mates right from the get go.
“I do have a girlfriend, but I don’t have mum and dad screaming at me to come home either.
“My dad’s from South Africa originally, and my mum’s from England. They moved out of home at 18 years old as well, so they embraced that it helps me grow up quicker, and I’ve really found that."
Ryan Lester is a man of many names, known by the boys as Froggy (find out why in the podcast), The Glove – due to his ability to wear opponents ‘like a glove’, and Mr Professional – he was the winner of the Brisbane Lions’ 2015 Most Professional Player Award.
In and out of the side in 2015, Lester has played every game in 2016 after a strong pre-season, locking down a role as a third tall or utility player in our forward line. In the seven games played this year, he’s kicked six goals and adds another dimension to our forward line structure - And Froggy is ‘loving it’.
“I’m certainly happy being that utility… I’ve been at the Club for six years now and I probably haven’t quite cemented my spot in the side and so I’m really just looking for that opportunity wherever that might be.”
“This year so far it’s sort of been that third tall forward, trying to negate some of the running half backs and as well as providing a contest for the boys.
“I am enjoying it."
Looking ahead to this weekend’s game against Collingwood at the Gabba, Lester said that the boys expect the Magpies to come out firing after a tough week under the media spotlight.
“They’re certainly going to come out firing this week… it will be a great contest I think,” said Lester.
However, after last weekend’s disappointing performance against Port Adelaide, Mitch Robinson expects our boys to be up to the challenge.
“We will come out here and throw everything we’ve got at them,” said Robinson.
Also on this week’s From The Players’ Lounge Podcast:
- A review of our game against Port Adelaide
- The boys discuss finding consistency
- Daniel Merrett missed in defence on the weekend
- How Ryan Lester got the nickname ‘Froggy’
- Lester talks about his new role as a utility player up forward
- The boys look forward to this week’s game against Collingwood
- Letting go of a loss and moving forward
- Preparing for a night game at the Gabba
- Upcoming Events
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