Merrett, in particular, is a long-time friend of the Sunshine Coast radio network, and regularly joins Nugget and Al as a guest on ‘The Morning Zoo’ program.
The radio hosts even went to the lengths of creating a new nickname for the Lions full-back a couple of years ago, affectionately labelling him ‘The Rusty Fist’ in acknowledgement of his fiery red hair and supreme spoiling ability.
Merrett was joined in studio by fellow key backman Matt Maguire who provided some insight into the team’s pre-season training camp in Noosa.
“It’s been really good,” Maguire said.
“We’ve actually got the day off today, so will probably play a bit of golf. The boys have got a tennis competition going on as well.”
Maguire and Merrett are partners in the doubles tennis tournament run by the players, prompting Nugget to claim that they could be the Lions’ own version of former Grand Slam winning Australian pairing ‘the Woodies’ - with Maguire playing the role of Todd Woodbridge and Merrett harnessing fellow flame-head sports hero Mark Woodforde.
There were also questions raised surrounding Maguire’s participation in Movember - a moustache-growing charity designed to raise funds and awareness for men’s health.
“It’s an attempt,” Maguire said.
“It’s a little Frenchman, Jacques Cousteau kind of creation. I’m looking more for the pencil-thin moustache by the end.”
“It’s only November 9, so I’ve still got a few days to go. I might get a photo taken at the end of the month with a beret on.”
Meanwhile, Merrett revealed he was excited to hear that former Fremantle Senior Coach Mark Harvey will be joining the Lions’ coaching staff in 2012.
“The Club landed a big fish in Mark Harvey. He’s a great coach,” Merrett said.
“I haven’t met him yet because he’s got to get a few things sorted out in Perth (before he joins training). He’ll probably be with us just before Christmas.”
“All the boys are really excited by the appointment. To have someone with his footy brain is definitely going to help us next year.”
“No doubt he will be fired up when we play the Dockers in Round 3.”
