First to fourth year Brisbane Lions players returned for pre-season training this morning and were put through their paces in a tortuous 90-minute session that featured plenty of running intervals and skills work.

Heading into his fourth season, defender Harris Andrews was full of voice and encouragement during the session as he continues to impress with his leadership capabilities.

“Everyone is pretty eager to get going. It was a good first session back,” Andrews said.

“Compared to a lot of teams we have a lot of first to fourth year guys back – we almost had a full squad training today.

“It’s good to see a lot of young guys starting to speak up more and drive us forward.”

In his role down back, Andrews will likely have a lot to do with new recruit Luke Hodge and described it as a "coup" to get the four-time premiership player.

"Just his ability to direct on ground is going to be fantastic," Andrews said.

"(He's) certainly going to benefit guys like myself and Alex Witherden and Darcy Gardiner.

"Just being able to go to him and see what he thinks about things, whether that's on field or off field, it's going to be huge.


"The fact that someone who's played so much football in a successful team in Melbourne wants to come up to Brisbane and continue their career and help us young guys develop is huge."

Young star Jacob Allison also raved about Hodge’s addition to the squad.

"I was Hawthorn supporter growing up and so was dad, so dad's a bit jealous at the moment," Allison laughed.

"I'm really happy and can't wait to learn off him.

"When the text came through that he was thinking about it I was shocked but also ecstatic.

"I still can't believe it's happening and I'm stoked for the club. I can't wait to learn off him and ask as many questions as I can."

Hodge and the rest of the Lions players with five years' experience or more will begin their pre-season on November 20.