Brisbane Lions full back Daniel Merrett checked in to Triple M’s Rush Hour with James Brayshaw and Billy Brownless while he was down in Melbourne for the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Tuesday night.

After a tough year for the Lions with just four wins from the season, the experienced ‘200 Club’ member (180 games plus 20 pre-season) said he remains upbeat and has faith in the direction of the Club.

“Harris Andrews is a jet – he’s going to be a 10-year player for us. He’s so tall and can mark.”

He also has confidence in the off-field changes and believes there will be a positive culture change at the Club with news that the Lamberts are coming to town.

“Craig Lambert is a great appointment. Leppitsch puts people around him that he trusts and that support him.

“He’s doing his best to keep (Jack) Redden and (James) Aish – they’re vitally important.

“(The Lamberts) will organise a few parties for the whole family and that has support from the big guys in the Brisbane – just things like that to keep the players.”

In his early days at the Lions, Merrett played alongside current Lions Coach Justin Leppitsch and says his relationship remains strong.

“I was with ‘Leppa’ playing and then coaching. I was first year when those guys were senior so I looked up to them anyway - they were mentors.

“I still look up to them and they’re still mentors so it wasn’t so hard for me with that transition.”

Added pressure between the coaches and players bears a heavy burden on the man in the middle, the Captain.

“It’s been a tough year for Tom – it’d be tough year for anyone,” said Merrett.

“He’s under a lot of pressure… he’s stuck in the middle and for a first year captain, it’s very tough.”