LIFE has changed for Brisbane enforcer Mitch Robinson.
There was a time when the ex-Carlton “wild child” might be getting home from the nightclubs at sunrise after a big win.
But the Lions midfielder was weeding the garden at his family home at 6am on Sunday just hours after inspiring Brisbane to a 64-point win over his old side at the Gabba.
Delisted by the Blues at the end of 2014 after a tumultuous tenure at Princes Park, Robinson was lauded by Lions coach Justin Leppitsch after his best-on-ground performance for being a fine role model since arriving at the club.
Robinson certainly led by example with 33 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 15 tackles, seven clearances and a goal to set the ferocious physical and mental tone for the rampant home side
Robinson has been undertaking a “visualisation program” to help him focus on key aspects of his football and it is paying dividends.
“I’ve got my time in the midfield and I’m taking my opportunity,’’ he told The Courier-Mail.
“I feel like I’ve always had the leadership ability inside me. Brisbane have given me a second chance and I am knuckling down.
“But I don’t feel like I’ll repay the Lions until we start playing finals.
“It’s a young team here. The average age is 22. I’m trying to instil what I’ve learned in the past.
“That (setting the tone) is kind of my game. That’s why I’m up here.
“It’s been a tough 11 weeks (since Brisbane’s last win). We’ve been in games but we need to learn how to win. We’ve definitely got the talent and the work ethic in this great young group.’’
