Lions midfielder James Polkinghorne answered questions from fans during a 30-minute live online chat at 12:30pm (Queensland time) on Friday 20 January 2012.
Please find below an edited transcript from what was said during the Q&A session.
CLICK HERE to view James Polkinghorne’s player profile
James Polkinghorne: Hey guys, Polks here. How is everyone on this Friday arvo?
Dimity: Hi James, it's Dimity. You live next door to my sister. How are you finding training?
James Polkinghorne: Hi Dimity, training is going good. Getting into match play stuff now so the fun stuff.
Guest: Hey Polks, you’re my favourite player for the Lions. How has the pre-season been for you?
James Polkinghorne: Pre-season has been good this year, first full one for me so far. So hopefully that holds me in good stead.
Luke: Hey Polks, is it true what they say about you being the coach's pet :)
James Polkinghorne: Ha ha, not sure about the coaches pet, but buying Vossy coffee's every now and then doesn’t count to that does it?
Dimity: How are you finding the pre-season? Getting excited for the games??
James Polkinghorne: Yeah, always get excited for the games. January is flying through so before we know it, it will be NAB games.
Sam: Hey James, how’s pre-season? What is the main thing your group is focussing on?
James Polkinghorne: Focusing on getting everyone through the campaign to keep building on their fitness and strength levels. And then as we go into more game like training we focus on our ball movement.
Kenny: Hey Polks, how are the first year players coming along been impressed with anyone in particular?
James Polkinghorne: Hey Kenny, first year players are going great, they have all fitted in really well and train hard. I was lucky to have Sam Docherty stay with me before Chrissy so tried to teach him a few tricks around the house, but I don’t think he’s too domestic yet. He once put the dishwashing powder in the washing machine.
JB0016: Hey James, how's Jared Polec looking on the track? I'm hoping he can get himself a spot in the 22 once Round 1 comes around.
James Polkinghorne: Jared Polec's going great. Him and Cal Bartlett have come through a rigorous rehab program, and both are training well. They will offer a lot of excitement and pace to the side.
Luke: Do you see yourself more as an inside mid or a lead up forward?
James Polkinghorne: Hey Luke, I’m training to play more inside mid which is good, but I also enjoy the lead-up forward, so maybe go through both areas.
JB0016: Hey Polks, are we going to see more of you in the middle this year?
James Polkinghorne: hope to get inside more this year, doing a full pre season certainly helps to be able to run out a game in the midfield.
Emily: Hey Polks, just wondering has there been any fairly big pranks played on the boys recently?
James Polkinghorne: Hey Emily, nothing too exciting as yet, but the year is still young. We often just move Jack Redden’s car a few blocks away from the Gabba when he is doing weights or something. So he spends most arvo's familiarising himself with East Brisbane.
Jackson: I am a big follower of your Brain Buster Video for LionsTV. Will you do it again this year?
James Polkinghorne: I had an awesome time on brain busters, and hopefully I can get another gig, or do something new. Definitely some great content going on the website though.
Jackson: Has Mark Harvey made a big influence to the team?
James Polkinghorne: Hey Jackson, Harvs has been awesome he brings so much experience and is great for everyone’s development.
Reas16: Hey Polka, how are you? I'm just wondering, where will Lisle line up in 2012? Up forward with Browny, or at CHB?
James Polkinghorne: Hey Reas, Jordie has settled in really well. You will probably see him up forward working in with Browny.
Jackie: Hey Polks! Who's the funniest coach at the club?
James Polkinghorne: Jackie, all the coaches are pretty funny. Manny Lynch and Nathan Clarke are like Lano and Woodley, they are a good combination and bounce of each other well.
Jackson: Will Dayne Zorko be an important player for the team?
James Polkinghorne: ‘Tinker’ (Zorko) will be important because he has enormous skill and speed. He's played senior footy for a few years now in the QAFL so he’s ready to take the next step.
Kyle: James, Just wondering how big Rog Merret is going with his back. Will he be available for Round 1?
James Polkinghorne: Hey Kyle, Rog is fully recovered from his back, so will be available. I think his little turtle dove tattoos show his softer side.
Lisa: We have been watching Dayne at Broadbeach... why is his nickname ‘Tinker’?
James Polkinghorne: Lisa, I’m not too sure why he's nickname is Tinker, might have to follow it up. All that I can assume is Tinkerbell ?
Jackson: Happy birthday for tomorrow Polks!
James Polkinghorne: Thanks Jackson, not that interested in turning 23 though! Ha. Soon I’ll have a senior’s card. lol
em: Important question: how’s your dog? Hutchy? And has he met any nice dogs at the dog park recently?!
James Polkinghorne: Hey em, Hutchy is going great. He’s over that puppy stage now so the home theatre system finally works without wires being chewed! I think I need to buy some sheep for him in the backyard, he is tired of rounding up little fluffy dogs at the dog park.
nick: Before you go, any chance you could tell us who you think will be the big improvers of 2012?
James Polkinghorne: Nick, hopefully we can see a lot of improvements both individually and as a team. Richy's big blonde mop seems to be everywhere at training.
Jackson: Good Luck for 2012!
glen: How is Patrick Wearden going?
James Polkinghorne: Hey glen, Pat's going well and fitting in really well. He's taken up boogie boarding, so every chance he gets he's at the beach. He wears goggles tho because he says the salt water stings his eyes.
Reas16: Good luck for 2012 Polks. Here's hoping for good run with injuries!
