There was so much interest around Matt Eagles' debut on Sunday, even Collingwood president Eddie McGuire found time to send the Brisbane defender a good luck message – of sorts.
Eagles won the reality TV program 'The Recruit' in 2016 – in part produced by McGuire Media – to earn himself a spot on the Lions' list
"He was a bit cheeky with the message, he said good luck after this week's game," Eagles said on Monday.
"It was good to get a text from him, it shows he has interest in me."
Former Collingwood premiership coach Mick Malthouse, who coached Eagles on the reality show, also wished the dreadlocked defender good luck
"I thought he was pretty good," Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said.
"He didn't look too out of it at all. I thought he competed well, gave away some free kicks, got some free kicks.
"We were all pretty pleased with how he went and thought he made a solid contribution."
Eagles said after coming to the club prior to the 2017 season, it took some adjusting.
"It's been a bit of a challenge, but I've loved every moment of it," he said.
"The pathway is a lot different, so you feel a bit isolated when you come in.
"You've got to build connections with players, earn their trust, and that of the coaching staff.
"I felt there was a lot more pressure on me, a lot of people (were) watching.
"I worked really hard on the show, very grateful for it, but once I got to the club it made me realise how much work I had to do.
"Since then I put my foot down, working as hard as I could."
