NAB Challenge is set to provide the Lions with the perfect opportunity to showcase some of the Club’s young talent.
“A good part about our last season is that we got to blood and give kids opportunities – maybe before they could have got one at another club,” Defensive Skills Coach Mitch Hahn told lions.com.au.
“That’s held them in good stead. They’ll get that opportunity again early in the NAB Challenge.
“Hugh Beasley who’s played a few games and Jackson Paine who’s played forward and has now turned into a defender will hopefully get an opportunity.
“It’s exciting for him to revive his career now as a defender.”
Hahn hinted youngster Jaden McGrath may also get an early opportunity in the backline after his season ended in round three last season with injury.
“Jaden played a couple of early games before his injury and has come back and trained well this pre-season. If he plays he should give some real run and dash off there.”
The Lions released a statement today that defender Justin Clarke has been ruled out of football indefinitely due to concussion. Clarke suffered a head knock at training on January 18, falling to the ground heavily after a pack mark contest.
Hahn said the Club would continue to support Clarke and was hopeful he would return to football in time.
“We’re all touching base with him, making sure he is OK and supporting him 100%.
“We support each other and understand that we are lucky enough to be out on the track right now. Clarkey would love to be out there, no doubt about that.
“He’s a fantastic team player as they all are down back.”
With Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch into his third full season in charge of the Lions, Hahn said he was excited to see the playing group build on the structures that have been implemented.
“We’ve had a lot of changes over a period of time, but going into this year we’re really confident that the players understand the structures.
“Now it’s about implementing them on game day and we’re really confident that we’re going to get a real spike in performance this year from those guys.
“Even though they’re young it’s not an excuse, it’s a real opportunity so that’s the way we’re approaching it.”
At 195cm and 95kg, Daniel McStay is the perfect prototype for a back or a forward.
Hahn said he was excited about the 20-year-old’s potential in the backline this season.
“I suppose you could compare him hopefully to someone like Harry Taylor who has been able to play a real key defensive role for Geelong and still be able to push forward. We still think we can use Dan in that role.
“Giving him some time down back and the opportunity as well to hone the skills he’s worked on in his junior career is going to be exciting for him.”
