The trio had earlier been granted permission by the AFL to join the Lions’ pre-season training program, and obviously proved themselves worthy for a spot on the Club’s rookie list for 2012.
“It was a massive relief and I’m obviously really excited to get stuck into training, being among the boys and giving 2012 a really big crack,” local Queensland Zone Selection Sam Michael.
Michael, who is an emerging ruckman/forward, played a key role in Queensland’s U18 side in the National Championships, and was one of only 30 junior players to earn selection into the 2010 AIS/AFL Academy.
Since joining Lions training earlier this month, he has been relishing the opportunity to train alongside some more seasoned AFL players.
“There’s no one better to be learning the tricks of the trade from than Jonathan Brown, Matthew Leuenberger, and other guys who are experts in their field.”
Raw defender Justin Clarke, who will soon make the permanent move to Brisbane from Booleroo in country South Australia , listed endurance and strength as his best assets.
For Clarke, getting a chance to work with the Lions meant he could finally spend more time developing his game against quality opposition.”
“Coming from country footy, I didn’t do a lot of muscular work. I’m fair way behind so I’ll just try and work on that and build up my body strength and endurance,” Clarke said.
Meanwhile, running defender Steve Wrigley saw his recruitment as an exciting opportunity to learn from his new team-mates and coaches to help improve his own game.
“There are some big names at the Club like Browny, Blacky, the whole Leadership Group and Vossy. There is a lot of footy knowledge that we can take, learn and develop into our game plan.”
Wrigley, who won NEAFL club Labrador’s Best and Fairest award, was also looking forward to bulking up on his relatively light 73 kg frame in preparation for the new season.
“Obviously I need to put on a little bit more size and get a little bit bigger in the gym, and I’m sure there’s plenty of hard work in front of me doing that.”
