Ryan Bastinac is confident the Brisbane Lions will provide the fresh start he is after to reinvigorate his young career.
The 24-year-old, traded to the Lions last month, played 121 senior games for North Melbourne after being taken at pick 21 in the 2009 draft.

“It was really hard (to leave the Kangaroos), but I just felt like I needed a fresh start,” Bastinac told LionsTV this morning.

“The last few years have been a bit stagnate and Brisbane, I think, was the best place to come. It’s a great city.”
Bastinac was a mainstay of North Melbourne’s midfield for a number of years as an inside ball-winner but fell out of favour while adjusting to a more outside role at Arden St this year.

“I thought I had a few good games but was probably just a bit inconsistent.

“I missed out on the finals series which was really disappointing. I’m really looking forward to improving at the Lions, having a good pre-season and having a good season next year.”

Bastinac said he was excited about the prospect of joining the Lions’ midfield alongside Dayne Beams, Tom Rockliff and Pearce Hanley and is looking to return to his preferred role as an inside midfielder.

Read: Lions delighted with Bastinac

“Those guys are all great players and I think we’ll complement each other quite well.

“I think more midfield opportunity will be good, hopefully playing in my natural position as an inside midfielder or wherever the team needs me.”

Bastinac, joined by partner, Paige, will use the next few days looking at houses and sightseeing before Bastinac returns to begin pre-season on November 23.

“It’s a beautiful city and the weather has produced today.

“We’ll have a bit more of a look later today and in the next few days,” he said.

Ahead of a golf session later that afternoon with vice-captain Daniel Rich and other Lions players, Bastinac said he was looking forward to meeting his new teammates.

“They’re all keen golfers which is good.

“I love my golf. It’s going to be good competitiveness amongst the boys which will be nice.”