We take a look at some of the key talking points from Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch and Vice-Captain Daniel Rich’s press conference this morning.
Trio set to return:
The Lions are set to name experienced trio Tom Rockliff, Allen Christensen and Josh Green for their Round 1 opening match against the West Coast Eagles in Perth.
Rockliff (hamstring), Christensen (finger) and Green (foot) missed the Club’s NAB Challenge campaign.
Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch said: “They're experienced players. I'm confident they've been around enough now to know what they're doing.”
No better time to head West:
The Lions will travel to Perth on Saturday, their first meeting against the Eagles over in the west since 2012.
“I'm a believer that if you're going to go to Perth anytime, round one is a great time to do it,” Leppitsch said.
“Everyone's new and a bit unsure of each other and what they've done over the pre-season, and some of the great upsets happen in the first three of four rounds.
“I'm excited by it and I know the boys are.”
A conservative approach for Beams:
Leppitsch said Dayne Beams was making progress, but the Club would take a conservative approach to his knee tendinitis.
“Tendons are funny things. Sometimes it's two steps forward, one step back, which it has been over the last month-and-a-half.
“It can improve quickly and we can potentially have him back (sooner), but we'll take a very conservative approach.”
For Richer or Poorer:
Daniel Rich spoke of his commitment to stay at the Hyundai Centre until at least the end of 2021 in a deal that should make the midfielder a one-club player.
Rich, 26, has played 122 games since being drafted in 2009 and the new contract will see him through the restricted free agency window.
“Both parties were happy with the five years and it didn't take long to negotiate, it was pretty stress-free for me.”
Out of the way:
Rich said he felt it was important to head into a new season free from talk around his contract.
“For me it was an easy decision. I’m glad it was done before Round 1 so I can focus on this season and the years to come as well.
“I’m really excited about where the Club’s going and at the same time that reflects the decision of the five years.
“I’m very happy.”
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