It’s really difficult to head into Round one knowing that you will be spending it on the sidelines - particularly after getting through most of the pre-season.

But when I sprained my ankle against Carlton last month, I knew straight away that the start of my 10th AFL season was going to be delayed.

Thankfully I should be back playing in just over a month, but I would give almost anything to be running out with my team-mates against West Coast this Saturday night.

The excitement Round One generates is unlike almost anything else you will experience as a player during the regular season.

Every team gets to start afresh and all the players are looking a million bucks after spending the past five months in the gym.

Everything seems to go up a notch - from the media attention surrounding the team to the intensity at training sessions.

Considering Queenslanders have been relatively starved of games so far this year, I expect there will be a big crowd at the Gabba for the season opener.

And it promises to be a massive contest.

I might be biased in saying this, but I am personally looking forward to the ruck duel between the two sides this Saturday night.

We have Mitch Clark and big Matty Leuenberger going up against Eagles pair Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.

Cox would have to be one of the most difficult ruckmen to play against purely for the fact that he has an amazing ability to run all day. He has been widely regarded as the best ruckman in the business for the past few years and now he is being joined by young up-and-comer Naitanui.

Vossy described Naitanui as a ‘cat’ on Monday because of his uncanny ability to contest the ruck and then pounce on opposition midfielders. And from what I’ve seen, I agree. He is a freak athlete.

But our guys will more than just hold their own against the big boys at West Coast.

Mitch was probably the most valuable ruckman in the competition last year while Leuey is also one of the young guns of the AFL.

That’s where the match will probably be won or lost. It’s important that we try to give our midfielders first use of the ball so they can feed guys like Fev and Browny up forward.

I will also be interested in seeing how the Lions Reserves go this Saturday afternoon against the Gold Coast side.

It’s the first time our two clubs have faced each other and although it’s only a QAFL practice match, I’m sure there will be a bit of feeling among the players.