During pre-season you can do all the running and as many match simulation drills as you like but nothing compares to game time against a real opposition and the Lions were pretty happy to get the first one under their belt.

Speaking to Lions TV following his first hitout in more than 12 months, Brent Staker was relieved to get through the game and feel like a footballer again.

“It was good fun, I was really nervous actually, I kept it under my hat how  nervous I was but it was a lot of fun and it was just good to feel like a footballer again, I’ve had a few comeback attempts but it was really good.

“I was able to take a couple of sneaky marks but missed a few goals, kicked 3 points, couldn’t get the goals on the board but it was good to be in the forward line, see how fast it is and in 12 months how the game has changed.”

Lewy Taylor was also pretty happy to get the first practice match under his belt after an interrupted pre-season in his first year at the club.

Taylor has completed most of the pre-season and noticed the difference of having the kilometres in his legs at stage of the season.

“First hitout was a bit of a blow but I’ll definitely get better and you feel confidence having a full pre-season and getting that running base under your belt.

“So hopefully that means I can run out games better and the team can run out games better as well.”

View the Photo Gallery from the NAB Challenge match - Lions vs St Kilda

Watch the match highlights - Lions vs St Kilda

The Lions continue their NAB Challenge matches this Friday against the Swans in Coffs Harbour.

New for the 2015 NAB Challenge, club members with game access get free entry to NAB Challenge games featuring their club so make sure you sign up to become a 2015 Brisbane Lions Member today!