Gary Ablett might be Gold Coast’s most dangerous midfielder but the likes of Dion Prestia are attracting plenty of attention from opposition teams, thanks in part to their education under the two-time Browlow Medal winner.
While the premiership season is just two games old, Prestia’s opening round performances suggest the 21-year-old is hell bent on matching his breakthrough 2013 campaign, which saw him finish runner-up to Ablett in the club championship after averaging 25 disposals in 20 senior appearances last year.
Rightfully so, Gold Coast’s star captain will continue to demand the hard tag from AFL opposition sides each week, but the lesser attention afforded to Prestia, David Swallow and 2013 Rising Star winner Jaeger O'Meara should see Ablett’s midfield partners-in-crime reap the rewards around the ground.
But Lions Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch says his side won't be focussing solely on Ablett, with the likes of Prestia, Swallow, O'Meara and countless others more than capable of turning the match.
Speaking to FOX FOOTY’s AFL 360 program last night, Prestia said his football development had been fast-tracked from playing alongside one of the game’s all-time greats in Ablett.
“Obviously we have the best midfielder in the game to learn off,” Prestia said.
“Gaz is a big help for us and other players like Jaeger and David. We have learned heaps off him.
“The last couple of years I’ve really built on pre-seasons, and I did most of this year’s so hopefully that will lead me into a good year.”
When asked to preview Saturday’s blockbuster QClash fixture, Prestia didn’t hold back, holding firm Gold Coast will not be treating the Lions lightly after losing the past five Queensland derbies.
“It’s a pretty important game for us this one. We’ve won our last six-eight games at Metricon Stadium and have really started the year good here,” he said.
“But we’re coming up against Brisbane who always makes for tough game.
“They’ve had the wood on us the last couple of years so we’re looking forward to making a difference and it’s time for us to stand up for ourselves.”
