It’s been a tough pre-season for the lads, but one I’m sure will put us in good stead for the year ahead.
With the exception of the Essendon game a couple weeks back, I think we’ve shown some promising signs in our practice matches so far. What’s been most important is guys like Claye Beams, Ryan Lester, Mitch Golby and Jared Polec - who haven’t played a lot of senior footy - have really stepped up and look set for bigger roles in 2012.
Our list is also as fit and healthy as I’ve seen during my five years at the Club. Only Brent Staker is out for an extended period at the moment, while everyone else - including big Browny - should be back out on the field sometime in the next month.
To add to the excitement surrounding our season-opener, the boys get to travel to Melbourne and play on the game’s grandest stage - the MCG.
Unlike the Victorian-based clubs, we don’t get a lot of opportunities to play at the MCG throughout the year, so it’s always a big occasion when we do.
I only got to play an AFL game at the stadium myself for the first time last year - which was also against Melbourne early in the season. I’ve now played there three times, but am yet to come off the field as part of the winning team. Hopefully that changes come Saturday afternoon.
Unfortunately we don’t seem to have had a whole lot of joy down in Melbourne over the past few years. So it’s important - both for the team and the Club’s fans in Victoria - that we put in a good showing and come away with the four points.
It certainly won’t be easy though.
Melbourne will be fired up as well, and will no doubt be spurred on by the great spirit of Jimmy Stynes - who will probably still be trying to do all he can for his beloved Demons from somewhere above.
Like all Australians, Jim’s recent passing had a profound effect on me and it was great to see him honoured with a State funeral in Victoria.
Jim was many things to many people. But for me - and probably all us Irishmen in the AFL - he was a trailblazer. His success in the sport put Ireland on the AFL recruiting map and opened the door for people like myself and Niall to get an opportunity over here in Australia.
I was only 10 years old when he finished playing in 1998, but by then he was one of the biggest names in sport back home. However, I probably didn’t appreciate the measure of the man until I came here to Australia in 2007.
He was an inspiration to many and will be sadly missed.
However, as much love and respect as we all have for Jim, I can guarantee that the Lions won’t be giving his former club any special favours on Saturday.
