Ash McGrath answers questions from fans in his column that will appear regularly on the Lions' website throughout the season.

Submit your questions for Ash HERE

Hi Ash, just wanted to know when Todd Banfield will be back. The closest he got was a few weeks back as an emergency, but I’ve heard nothing since. He was good around goal at crumbing the ball and putting them through when needed. Thanks for your time.
- Lions Fan from Lalor, VIC


Yeah, Toddy has been playing well in the Reserves. He pretty much just has to bide his time because the team that we have in at the moment is doing pretty well.

Do you think you can win the premiership this year?- Josh from Netherby, SA

Well we need to beat Port Adelaide this week first. I’ll get back to you next week.

Hey Ash. What was it like playing up in Darwin? Were you used to the conditions given QLD is also pretty hot and humid?
- Karen from Burpengary, QLD

It was pretty humid, but I thought we handle the conditions pretty well. We train in that weather a bit during pre-season so I think that helps us out.

Since Jamie Charman is no longer playing, who has the best calves in the club?
- Lozza from Melbourne, VIC

Probably Stephen Wrigley or Tom Rockliff. They both struggle to get socks to fit over their calves!

Have noticed recently that Daniel Merrett seems to be missing half a bicep in one of his arms. What’s the deal there?
- Gray from Hawthorn, VIC

He tore it fishing in the off-season. He went up to the NT and went to throw a line in, and he’s never fished in his life, and he ended up with a torn bicep.

I love Joel Patfull is he single?
- Michelle from Ascot Vale, VIC


Yes he is and I reckon he will be for the rest of his life. He tries to go for the 10 out of 10’s, but I think he needs to have a look in the mirror because he is trying to bat in the wrong ballpark.

Hi Ash! We have so many players from WA - how do you/they deal with homesickness?
- Kay from Perth, WA


Just hanging around your mates and doing things outside of football helps take away the home sickness. We also try to get home for a visit whenever we can.

I saw that Simon Black was named in the Multicultural Team of the Century recently – and I didn’t even know he was a Kiwi! Are there any other boys with multicultural backgrounds at the Club that might not be common knowledge?
- Jane from Indooroopilly, QLD


I didn’t even know Simon Black was a Kiwi. So it’s good to know that!

I was watching the game the other night and I noticed that Joel Patfull has the most beautiful eyes. Do people comment on them all the time?
- Jenna from Redcliffe, QLD


I am surprised you have actually noticed his eyes as he likes to run around with his eyes shut out there. Going back for the ball or going up for a spoil he seems to have his eyes shut at the moment. I’ll pass on the message though and if you think he is cute please keep writing in and I’ll keep passing on the message.