Relocating from Tasmania, one of Australia’s coolest states, to Queensland, one of its warmest, was just another challenge facing Brisbane Lions draftee Josh McGuinness as he embarks on an AFL career.

In case the increased training demands of being a professional footballer weren’t tough enough, McGuinness – and fellow Tasmanian draftee Josh Watts – have been greeted with a typically warm, and wet, Queensland summer.

McGuinness told lions.com.au that he’s found it difficult adjusting to the conditions.

“It’s been pretty tough to be honest, with the heat up there,” McGuinness said.

“We don’t really get the humidity down there in Tassie, so trying to adjust to the heat has definitely been one of the hardest things so far.”

Despite the unpredictable nature of Brisbane’s weather, the 19-year-old has enjoyed the start of his first pre-season and hopes to remain fit and healthy in the lead-up to the Lions 2015 campaign.

“Training has been really good. There was one session that was cancelled because the track was under water, but apart from that, it’s been hot most other days,” he said.

“I’m just trying to get through pre-season without any injuries, and all’s going well so far.”

McGuinness is one of a handful of draftees who will be pushing their case for selection in the team’s NAB Challenge campaign, which kicks-off next month.

As was the case last year, the Club has already suggested that a number of young players will get a taste of the action during the pre-season practice matches.