Brisbane Lions veteran Ryan Lester’s advice to the Club’s six new Draftees is to ‘ask as many questions as you can.’
Watching the new recruits being introduced to the team this week brought back fond memories for the 25-year-old.
“They’re born in 1999, which sounds ridiculous, but in saying that it feels like yesterday that I was one of them,” Lester said.
“It’s really exciting to have some new faces around the Club.”
Cameron Rayner, the Club’s first pick at the recent 2017 AFL Draft, along with Toby Wooller, Zac Bailey, Brandon Starcevich, Connor Ballenden and Jack Payne trained with the group for the first time this week.
“The potential for those guys is limitless really. You never know what sort of players they’re going to be.
“Froggy” is imploring the young players coming through to continue their learning through listening to others’ experience.
“I think Fages’ touched on it… just ask as many questions as you can and
“But also guys like Zorks, Beamsy, real superstars of the game. Ask them as many questions as you can.”
Lester was the Lions’ 28th pick at the 2010 AFL Draft and made his debut in Round 1, 2011. The utility now has 102 first grade games to his name.
“I find, just work hard and just earn the respect of the players and the coaches. That goes a long way for you,” he said.
With Draftees, new recruits and Dayne Zorko back from international duties, the full team has converged at the Gabba.
“It’s a pretty big group when you think about it. 48 guys and got to squeeze them into 22 positions come round 1 but it promotes a lot of competition which is what you want.
“We’re really healthy at the moment which is really good. So bring on 2018.”
