In a bumper episode of the Roar Deal, Zac Bailey and James Madden popped into the Lions’ studio to chat to Dom and Mike.

Bailey was first off the block and spoke about his challenging year personally with two hamstring injuries. In positive news, he made his AFL return against the Demons last weekend and played in the backline.

“It’s good to get out on the weekend,” Bailey told Dom and Mike.

The 19-year-old was quick to praise the high performance and medical team for getting him back on track.

He said his Rehabilitation Coach Selwyn Griffith played a huge role.

“He really sort of gives the energy to the group. He’s up and about and always encourages us to improve,” Bailey said.

“He was one of the motivators while I was in rehab.”

The defender was joined by Marcus Adams and Harris Andrews during his time in rehab and said they provided good company.

Watching the team enjoy so much success, while sitting on the sidelines, has been challenging but also motivating.

“It’s good to get the success we’re having this year,” he said.

“Obviously it’s a team you wanted to be in because they were having their success but for me it was focusing on the rehab and trying to get back.”

Meanwhile Irish recruit James Madden spoke to Dom and Mike about how he was settling into Australian life, now that he’s been here for more than nine months.

In Round 12 of the NEAFL Madden kicked his first goal. In Round 13 he booted five, much to the delight of his teammates.

He admits an AFL debut is probably still a way off but he is inspired by Colin O’Riordan’s success at the Sydney Swans.

“I look up to people like him,” Madden said.  

“He’s managed to go through three years without playing a game and now he’s a really good player.”

In his spare time at the Club he will watch his own, as well as Daniel Rich’s, game footage to further his learning of the game.

Both Bailey and Madden travel to Sydney this weekend to take on the GWS GIANTS, with NEAFL playing in the curtain-raiser before Round 16’s AFL match.