Davis’ manager Lance Thompson confirmed on Thursday the one-time mercurial Swan would head to Brisbane in the coming days where he would begin training with the Lions, who have commenced their first off-season under new coach Michael Voss.
It was revealed on Wednesday that Voss was keen to speak with Davis, who he believes might be able to complement twin towers Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw and provide an alternative goalkicking option.
“He’s going to go up there on Monday and start training with them,” Thompson told SEN on Thursday.
“He’s very excited about that … it’s a new opportunity.
“You see so many people that get a chance with a new club and they just take it with open arms and Nick’s got to realise that.”
The Swans delisted Davis – the man who single-handedly propelled them past Geelong in the 2005 first semi-final and ultimately to the premiership – after the 2008 season in which he played just three matches, struggling with fitness and form.
But Thompson says the gifted forward knows he must turn over a new leaf if he wants to build on his 168-match career.
“He’s been training very, very hard with myself over the last couple of weeks,” Thompson said.
“I suppose Nick probably knows that I’m sick of putting up with a fair bit of rubbish from him, so he knows he’s got to work hard otherwise his future’s going to be pretty bleak.
“Hard work’s what it’s going to take and Nick’s prepared to put in the hard work.”
A superbly-skilled footballer, Davis is considered among the more talented forwards in the game on his day.
But many, including some at the Swans, questioned his commitment to playing at the highest level at different stages.
“Nick’s expectation is he just didn’t have to work that hard to get there and I know that obviously the older you get the harder you have to work to better yourself … Nick’s just starting to realise that now,” Thompson said.
Davis has not nominated for this month’s NAB AFL Draft but could be selected by any AFL club in the pre-season draft.
