Rhys Mathieson, AKA. Beastmode, has responded to 'ducking' criticism after his first AFL game against the Melbourne Demons at the MCG on Sunday.
Speaking on the latest ‘From The Players’ Lounge’ podcast, Mathieson said if it was ducking, he wouldn’t be getting the free kicks.
"If it was ducking, the umps wouldn’t pay it and that would be holding the ball this year,” Mathieson said.
"At the end of the days, the umpires are paying the free kick, not me."
Throughout the game, as Mathieson received free kicks, the Demons crowd started to turn on him, booing from the sidelines. When asked if this worried him, he didn't seem to care at all.
"If I’m playing and the Clubs winning and I’m doing my role, mate, if I get booed, I get booed,” said Beastmode
"I love this club, I’m not worried about any other players on the other teams.
"It is what it is to me, I just want this club to succeed."
The boo’s weren’t just on the field, after posting a photo on social media post match, people were quick to criticize the young Lion – but once again, he seemed unfazed.
"I’m a pretty unique person, so I don’t let those sorts of things get me flat."
"Those comments mate, they’re just feeding the beast, so I’m not worried at all.”
It was an impressive first game from the Brisbane Lions debutant. He finished the game with 14 disposals and two tackles, and said he wasn’t too nervous about playing his first game on the biggest ground in the land.
"Playing the NAB cup games took the sting out of it (making his debut),” Mathieson said to the boys.
"I had my family there watching and that calmed my nerves."
One thing you’ll notice about Mathieson is his passion, not just for the things he does, but for the Club. Before playing his first game, he’d already signed a contract extension and, with his family coming up to look for a new home, Beastmode is here to stay.
We've decided to release #BeastModehttps://t.co/aWdUP8zIBj
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) May 18, 2016
When asked about the decision of re-signing with the Club, Mathieson said:
"As soon as they offered it to me (contract extension), I didn’t even think about going back home and I haven’t since I’ve been up here,” he said.
"I love the boys, I love the club and I love this place.
"I just really want the fans to stick by us because we are trying our best, the improvements are coming, we work hard behind the walls.
"I know you guys don’t see that but, stick by us, because we’ll be going to the top soon."
Also on this week’s From The Players’ Lounge Podcast:
- A review of our game against Melbourne
- Thoughts on the Demons
- How good was Westy!
- Where is the Club at?
- Beastmode's bromance and jetski crew
- Beastmode's texts to Leppa
- Hawthorn and the Sir Doug Nicholls Round
- The boys call Mitch Robinson's fiancée Emma to talk about the 2016 Indigenous jumper that she designed.
- Emma's perspective - What's Robbo like at home?
Do you have someone you want to feature on the podcast? Send through your thoughts by tweeting the boys and using #LionsPlayersLounge
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