Bewick seeks regular spot

Even after booting the equal fourth most goals at the Club in 2012, Rohan Bewick knows that he must continually improve if he’s to maintain his spot in the senior team.

After a modest debut season, Bewick became somewhat of a regular member of the Brisbane Lions’ line-up last season, playing in 14 of the Club’s final 15 matches and contributing to the scoreboard in all but one of those games.

His elite running ability and strong overhead marking for a player of his size (184cm) helped him find a niche as the team’s leading third forward.

But the return of Brent Staker, Ash McGrath and Todd Banfield from injury, the continued development of Patrick Karnezis, Jack Crisp and Aaron Cornelius, and the recent recruitment of hard-running forwards Sam Mayes and Marco Paparone, means that the competition for senior games will heat up in 2013.  

Bewick told lions.com.au that the improved depth of talent at the Club is incentive enough to work extra hard over summer.

“I’ve just got to keep working on my fitness and strength,” Bewick told lions.com.au. “I’m about 83kg at the moment, but I’d like to put another kilo or two on.”

“I would also like to improve my 2km time to around the 6:20 mark and keep working on my repeat speed.”

“Hopefully I can push for selection in Round 1, and get a regular spot in the senior team from there.”

Bewick’s versatility may also work in his favour, considering he has also proven effective on the wing.   

“The wing is probably my preferred role, but the forward line seemed to work well last season, so I’m more than happy to stay there,” he said.

“I enjoyed it especially at the end of the season when I found some continuity in the forward-line, and worked out what my role was and what I had to do for the team.”

Bewick also revealed that he has set himself another critical off-field goal for the New Year.

“To beat Beamsy at golf every single time we play,” Bewick said.