Cian (pronounced “kee-an”) Hanley could barely contain his excitement as he fronted the media on Wednesday for the first time in Brisbane Lions colours.

Hanley was one of Ireland’s most promising Gaelic football talents, but was officially signed by the Lions in September and is now determined to follow in his famous older brother’s footsteps.

Lions fans won’t get to see much of Hanley junior out on the field next season, with a full reconstruction set to sideline him for the entire 2015 season.

“It’s only been about five and a half weeks since my operation, so I’m just doing swimming, cycling, boxing and things like that, that don’t put much pressure on my knee,” Hanley said.

Although his pre-season training will be severely limited, that hasn’t stopped him from familiarising himself with his new surrounds and teammates.

“I flew in on Saturday evening, and got straight into it on Monday,” he said.

“Everyone’s really welcoming – all the coaches and the players are going out of their way to help me.”

Still just a teenager, Hanley isn’t placing too great an expectation on himself, but certainly won’t die wondering.

“People back home have told me to just go out there, give it everything, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” he said.

It’s important to remember that Pearce Hanley played in just four of a possible 60 senior matches during his first two and a half seasons at the Lions.

It wasn’t until his fourth campaign in 2011 that he really started to not only get a grasp of the game, but also have a significant influence on matches.